Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
10:53
Simultaneous Measurement of Turbulence and Particle Kinematics Using Flow Imaging Techniques
Published on: March 12, 2019
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Experimental, numerical, and analytical velocity spectra in turbulent quantum fluid
Carlo F Barenghi1, Victor S L'vov, Philippe-E Roche
1Joint Quantum Centre Durham-Newcastle and School of Mathematics and Statistics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
Summary
Superfluid helium turbulence, featuring inviscid and viscous fluids, surprisingly mirrors ordinary turbulence at large scales. This study explains these similarities and highlights current understanding limits at smaller scales.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Quantum turbulence
- Superfluidity
Background:
- Superfluid helium exhibits unique turbulence due to two interpenetrating fluids: one inviscid with quantized vorticity, the other viscous with continuous vorticity.
- Despite its complex nature, superfluid turbulence shows similarities to classical turbulence at larger scales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the observed similarities between superfluid and ordinary turbulence spectra at large length scales.
- To investigate the behavior and characteristics of turbulence in superfluid helium.
- To identify the limitations in the current understanding of superfluid turbulence at smaller scales.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements of superfluid helium flow.
- Numerical simulations of turbulent phenomena in superfluids.
- Theoretical analysis of fluid dynamics in quantum systems.
Main Results:
- Experimental, numerical, and theoretical data confirm that superfluid turbulence spectra resemble ordinary turbulence at sufficiently large length scales.
- Quantized and continuous vorticity dynamics contribute to the observed turbulent behavior.
- The study identifies specific scale ranges where similarities break down, indicating limitations.
Conclusions:
- The similarities between superfluid and ordinary turbulence are explained by specific dynamic interactions at larger scales.
- The distinct nature of superfluid turbulence becomes more pronounced at smaller scales.
- Further research is needed to fully comprehend the complexities of superfluid turbulence across all scales.
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