Experiments on second-sound shock waves in superfluid helium

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.862288· OSTI ID:7208047

Cummings, J C; Schmidt, D W; Wagner, W J

The waveform and velocity of second-sound waves in superfluid helium have been studied experimentally using superconducting, thin-film probes. The second-sound waves were generated with electrical pulses through a resistive film. Variations in pulse power, pulse duration, and bath temperature were examined. As predicted theoretically, the formation of a shock was observed at the leading or trailing edge of the waves depending on bath temperature. Breakdown of the theoretical model was observed for large pulse powers. Accurate data for the acoustic second-sound speed were derived from the measurements of shock-wave velocities and are compared with previous results.

• Research Organization: Max-Planck-Institut fuer Stroemungsforschung, D 34 Goettingen, Germany
• OSTI ID: 7208047
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 21:5; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640450* -- Fluid Physics-- Superfluidity
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ELEMENTS
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FLUIDS
HELIUM
HELIUM 4
HELIUM II
HELIUM ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
NONMETALS
NUCLEI
PULSES
RARE GASES
SECOND SOUND
SHOCK WAVES
STABLE ISOTOPES
SUPERFLUIDITY
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
VELOCITY