The influence of microgravity on the growth of metals and alloys—The project of Czechoslovak experiment

The crystal growth under near-zero gravity conditions may lead to materials of better crystalline and compositional perfection 1]. Unidirectional solidification of metals is a part of Czechoslovak programme on space research within the framework of Interkosmos 2]. On the model-like systems of metals grown in the space we want to study the effect of foreign atoms on the surface tension and the lattice defects density. The objectives of our ground-based and space experiments are discussed.