Numerical investigation of the flow properties of He II

Experimental, numerical, and analytical velocity spectra in turbulent quantum fluid

Turbulence in superfluid helium is unusual and presents a challenge to fluid dynamicists because it consists of two coupled, interpenetrating turbulent fluids: the first is inviscid with quantized vorticity, and the second is viscous with continuous vorticity. Despite this double nature, the observed spectra of the superfluid turbulent velocity at sufficiently large length scales are similar to those of ordinary turbulence. We present experimental, numerical, and theoretical results that explain these similarities, and illustrate the limits of our present understanding of superfluid turbulence at smaller scales.

Velocity, energy, and helicity of vortex knots and unknots

In this paper we determine the velocity, the energy, and estimate writhe and twist helicity contributions of vortex filaments in the shape of torus knots and unknots (as toroidal and poloidal coils) in a perfect fluid. Calculations are performed by numerical integration of the Biot-Savart law. Vortex complexity is parametrized by the winding number w given by the ratio of the number of meridian wraps to that of longitudinal wraps. We find that for w<1 vortex knots and toroidal coils move faster and carry more energy than a reference vortex ring of same size and circulation, whereas for w>1 knots and poloidal coils have approximately same speed and energy of the reference vortex ring. Helicity is dominated by writhe contributions. Finally, we confirm the stabilizing effect of the Biot-Savart law for all knots and unknots tested, found to be structurally stable over a distance of several diameters. Our results also apply to quantized vortices in superfluid 4He .

Evolution of a network of vortex loops in He-II: exact solution of the rate equation

The evolution of a network of vortex loops in He-II due to the fusion and breakdown of vortex loops is studied. We perform investigation on the base of the "rate equation" for the distribution function n(l) of number of loops of length l. By use of the special ansatz we have found the exact power-like solution of the rate equation in a stationary case. That solution is the famous equilibrium distribution n(l) proportional l(-5/2) obtained earlier from thermodynamic arguments. Our result, however, is not equilibrium; it describes the state with two mutual fluxes of the length (or energy) in l space. Analyzing this solution we drew several results on the structure and dynamics of the vortex tangle in the superfluid turbulent helium. In particular, we obtained that the mean radius of the curvature is of the order of interline space and that the decay of the vortex tangle obeys the Vinen equation. We also evaluated the full rate of reconnection.