Numerical simulation of the horizontal Bridgman growth. Part II: Three‐dimensional flow

We study the steady‐state three‐dimensional flow which occurs in a horizontal crucible of molten metal under the action of a horizontal temperature gradient. The geometry and the boundary conditions are similar to those encountered in the Bridgman growth process of semiconductor crystals. We find that three‐dimensional effects can have a dramatic influence upon the flow, which, before the onset of periodic disturbances, differs appreciably from its two‐dimensional counterpart. We also investigate the sensitivity of the flow to non‐symmetric disturbances.