A review of radial segregation in crystal growth during microgravity

This review describes radial segregation results from crystal growth experiments in microgravity, together with their corresponding theoretical treatments. The paper is structured in terms of the different factors influencing radial segregation during crystal growth, such as: curved growth interfaces, variations in boundary layer thickness, weak convection, facets and magnetic fields.In a number of experiments considerably stronger radial segregation occurs in space than is normally observed on earth. The theoretical treatments lead to a sound understanding of all of the results. Possible ways to avoid the problem, such as the application of magnetic fields, are outlined.