Turbulent Superfluids Are So Contrarian
Thursday, July 25, 2013 - 21:50
in Physics & Chemistry
Much like a superconductor loses no energy to resistance, a superfluid moves like a completely frictionless liquid, able to propel itself without any hindrance from gravity or surface tension. The physics underlying these materials, which appear to defy the common sense precepts of conventional physics, has been a source of fascination for decades. Liquid helium is an example. When cooled to extremely low temperatures, helium exhibits behavior that is otherwise impossible in ordinary fluid - the superfluid can squeeze through pores as small as a molecule, and climb up and over the walls of a glass. It can even remain in motion years after a centrifuge containing it has stopped spinning. read more