Parametric sensitivity and temporal dynamics of sapphire crystal growth via the micro-pulling-down method

The micro-pulling-down (mu-PD) crystal growth of sapphire fibers, whose steady-state limits were the focus of our prior study [Samanta et al., Journal of Crystal Growth 335 (2011) 148-159], is further examined using a parametric sensitivity computation derived by linearizing the nonlinear model around a quasi-steady-state (QSS). In addition, transient analyses are performed to assess inherent stability and dynamic responses in this mu-PD system. Information from these two approaches enlarges our understanding of this particular process, and the approaches themselves are put forth as valuable complements to classical QSS analysis. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.