Simulation and Ground Experiment Investigation of Material Experimental Furnace in Space

The temperature distribution of material experimental furnace is critical to materials preparation and the safety operation of furnace in space. For example, it directly affect the growth process of crystals. On the basis of reasonable simplification of the physical model of material experimental furnace that will be carried by Tiangong-2, a 3D heat transfer numerical model is established, and thermophysical parameters of the furnace material are measured. Using the heat transfer model, the thermophysical parameters is simulated. The simulation results coincide well with the ground experimental results. The influence of specimen thermophysical parameters on the furnace and specimen temperature distribution is analyzed by simulation. Moreover, an optimal design is carried out for heat insulation parts of the furnace, and surface temperature distribution of the furnace is predicted. The inadequacy of temperature measuring point can be compensated by the simulating calculation. The simulation can help to obtain the specimen temperature distribution, and can provide foundation for optimal design of the furnace heat insulation and its safe operation.