Vortex avalanches and the onset of superfluid turbulence

TL;DR

This paper develops a model for the initial vortex multiplication in superfluid turbulence, highlighting how quantum effects and mutual friction lead to behavior distinct from classical fluids.

Contribution

It introduces a new model describing the avalanche-like vortex multiplication at the onset of superfluid turbulence, accounting for quantum and frictional effects.

Findings

Vortex multiplication occurs via avalanche-like processes.

Superfluid turbulence exhibits unique behavior due to quantum effects.

The model captures the initial stages of vortex tangle formation.

Abstract

Quantized circulation, absence of Galilean invariance due to a clamped normal component, and the vortex mutual friction are the major factors that make superfluid turbulence behave in a way different from that in classical fluids. The model is developed for the onset of superfluid turbulence that describes the initial avalanche-like multiplication of vortices into a turbulent vortex tangle.