A theory of infinite spanning sets and bases is developed for the first-order flex space of an infinite bar-joint framework, together with space group symmetric versions for a crystallographic bar-joint framework ${{\mathcal {C}}}$. The existence of a crystal flex basis for ${{\mathcal {C}}}$ is shown to be closely related to the spectral analysis of the rigid unit mode (RUM) spectrum of ${{\mathcal {C}}}$ and an associated geometric flex spectrum. Additionally, infinite spanning sets and bases are computed for a range of fundamental crystallographic bar-joint frameworks, including the honeycomb (graphene) framework, the octahedron (perovskite) framework and the 2D and 3D kagome frameworks.

In this study, we present a new numerical model for crystal growth in a vertical solidification system. This model takes into account the buoyancy induced convective flow and its effect on the crystal growth process. The evolution of the crystal growth interface is simulated using the phase-field method. A semi-implicit lattice kinetics solver based on the Boltzmann equation is employed to model the unsteady incompressible flow. This model is used to investigate the effect of furnace operational conditions on crystal growth interface profiles and growth velocities. For a simple case of macroscopic radial growth, the phase-field model is validated against an analytical solution. The numerical simulations reveal that for a certain set of temperature boundary conditions, the heat transport in the melt near the phase interface is diffusion dominant and advection is suppressed.