The effect of angular vibration on the flow, segregation, and interface morphology during vertical Bridgman crystal growth was investigated. Transparent experiments using SCN containing about 0.02 wt.% acetone were performed. To simulate the observed results, both direct numerical simulation (DNS) and Schlichting boundary layer approximation (SBLA) were considered in the computer model. The simulated morphological breakdown patterns, as a result of acetone accumulation (segregation), are consistent with the experimental observation. At high frequency with low amplitudes, both simulation approaches gave consistent results. However, care must be taken in using SBLA for low frequency vibration of several hertz. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.