Thermal modeling of Czochraiski (CZ) crystal growth processes is a challenging task owing to the complex interaction of heat conduction. convection. thermal radiation. fluid flow. and other transport phenomena. A highly innovative, general-purpose computer model for phase-change and free-surface problems, utilizing a multi-zone adaptive grid generation and curvilinear finite volume scheme, is linked to a spectral thermal radiation algorithm to predict the temperature distribution within a CZ growth furnace. The radiative transfer model, based on the discrete exchange factor method. is capable of addressing the complexities due to irregularly shaped axisymmetric geometries and shadowing effects. A unified exchange factor model is used to account for multiple reflection, scattering of radiation within the crystal medium, Several numerical trials are performed to simulate the CZ growth of yttrium aluminum garnet. The effect of the top surface boundary condition on temperature profile. crystal melt interface shape, and process stability is studied to examine the applicability of this model to control the growth conditions and interface shape, The results show that there exists a temperature range for the top surface to avoid the superheating subcooling of crystal near the interface. This limiting temperature range is. however, dynamic and changes as the growth progresses. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.