This paper presents efficient numerical methods-the "inverse modeling" method and the adaptive finite element method-for optimizing the heat transport as well as for investigating the heat and mass transport under the influence of convection during crystal growth. especially near the liquid/solid interface. These methods have been applied to industrial Bridgman-furnaces for the growth of 65-75 mm diameter (Cd,Zn)Te crystals. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.