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Scattering correction and hydrodynamic drag in superleaks exhibiting varying degrees of isotropy and homogeneity

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5795514

The acoustic scattering correction of several types of superleaks was measured, providing information about Kelvin inertial drag effects in the flow of superfluid helium. Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ packed powder, Grafoil, and Grafoil foam superleaks were used. Fourth sound velocity and Doppler shift measurements were used to compare the hydrodynamic behavior of the different superleaks. A 15 cm diameter annular resonator packed with Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ powder was used to probe the low-velocity Landau flow region of persistent currents. The Doppler shift of the sound velocity gives a value for the Kelvin drag parameter g(or lambda) equal to that determined from the scattering correction; g = 0.80 for this superleak having a scattering correction n = 1.12. Measurements were made both during rotation of the cryostat and with a persistent current established by rotating while cooling down from above the lambda point. The Kelvin drag effects were too large in the Grafoil, as evidenced by a scattering correction of n = 4.41, to permit a persistent current that could be detected with the rotating cryostat constructed for these experiments.

Research Organization:
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park (USA)
OSTI ID:
5795514
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English