Evaluation of the spin-up time during the accelerated crucible rotation technique

The transient flows occurring after a change in the angular velocity of a cylindrical container are described. The dependence of the transient (known as the spin-up or spin-down time) on experimental parameters such as kinematic viscosity, cylinder dimensions and the cylinder's initial and final angular velocities are elucidated by a review of the literature. It is emphasized that with large Rossby numbers the spin-up time is longer and the amount of fluid mixing is greater than with small and moderate Rossby numbers. It is also elucidated that most crystal growth crucibles cannot be considered as infinitely-long cylinders for the evaluation of the fluid dynamics.