Experimental signature of quantum turbulence in velocity spectra?

Abstract

Velocity measurements in turbulent superfluid helium between co-rotating propellers are reported. The parameters are chosen such that the flow is fully turbulent, and its dissipative scales are partly resolved by the velocity sensors. This allows for the first experimental comparison of spectra in quantum versus classical turbulence where dissipative scales are resolved. In some specific conditions, differences are observed, with an excess of energy at small scales in the quantum case compared to the classical one. This difference is consistent with the prediction of a pileup of superfluid kinetic energy at the bottom of the inertial cascade of turbulence due to a specific dissipation mechanism.

Keywords

• quantum fluids
• turbulence
• superfluidity