A new software tool is proposed for the optimal design of materials processing equipment. The objective of the project is to combine fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer simulation capabilities with advanced numerical optimization techniques to automate the design of microgravity experiments. The resulting software will determine the values of process design parameters which produce the best experimental results as measured by a user- defined objective function. The tool is expected to have applications in such areas as crystal growth, directional solidification, droplet levitation, containerless processing, and vapor deposition. It will enable materials science researchers to develop better experiments at lower cost, with the eventual result of more perfect and valuable new materials.
