Simulations of vortex evolution and phase slip in oscillatory potential flow of the superfluid component of < sup> 4 He through an aperture

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2006

Department

Department of Computer Science

Abstract

The evolution of semicircular quantum vortex loops in oscillating potential flow emerging from an aperture is simulated in some highly symmetrical cases. As the frequency of potential flow oscillation increases, vortex loops that are evolving so as eventually to cross all of the streamlines of potential flow are drawn back toward the aperture when the flow reverses. As a result, the escape size of the vortex loops, and hence the net energy transferred from potential flow to vortex flow in such 2π phase-slip events, decreases as the oscillation frequency increases. Above some aperture-dependent and flow-dependent threshold frequency, vortex loops are drawn back into the aperture. Simulations are performed using both radial potential flow and oblate-spheroidal potential flow.

Publication Title

Journal of Low Temperature Physics

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