Vortex Heating in Superfluid Helium at Low Temperatures

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Abstract
We address the fundamental problem of dissipation of kinetic energy in superfluid turbulence at temperatures low enough that friction against the normal fluid is negligible. We find that the kinetic energy of a turbulent vortex tangle, transformed into compressional energy, can result in a significant heating of the fluid. We suggest that vortex heating can be used to investigate turbulence at these low temperatures, where the traditional second-sound technique fails.