Inhomogeneous vortex tangles in counterflow superfluid turbulence: flow in convergent channels (Q325605)

The paper examines how inhomogeneities in counterflow velocity \((\mathbf V)\), or heat flux \((\mathbf q)\) and vortex line density \((L)\) can contribute to the dynamics of \(L\) in inhomogeneous vortex tangles. Thermally generated superfluid turbulence is considered. The presence of a sufficiently high heat flow causes the formation of a tangle of quantized vortex lines, which form more collisions and rearrangements inside the superfluid. The tangle is described by \(L\), but \(L\) changes from point to point in the volume of the tangle. An evolution equation for it is written taking into account the contribution of inhomogeneity, either as a diffusion flux of vortices or as an additional contribution to vortex formation or destruction, which could arise in convergent or divergent channels (radial flows). First, a new term accounting for the role of the gradient \(\mathbf V\) (or of the heat flux \(\mathbf q\)) is introduced as additional sources of vortices not considered in Vinen equation. The authors explore the influence of it and of the vortex diffusion in radial heat flows and in the entrance region. The effects of the diffusion heat gradient and the relative directionality of the heat flux on the productions are considered separately. The obtained evolution equation is applied to a steady-state counterflow of the He II between two concentric cylindrical walls at different temperatures. Then, by facing the dynamical possibilities, the Schwarz-Vinen equation is generalized with diffusion effects. A nonlocal formulation of a vortex line density evolution equation is obtained adding two kinds of new non-local terms: the first ones are obtained from a second-order Tailor expansion in the terms of the average vortex separation given by \(L^{-1/2}\), other second-order terms are added by using a dimensional analysis and corresponding tensorial requirements. Finally, the specific forms of steady equations for convergent (or divergent) channels are specified and a set of physical conclusions is driven.