Spin-down of a quantum fluid and neutron stars' glitches: The experiments of J. S. Tsakadze and S. E. Tsakadze revisited
Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 114701 – Published 2 November, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/2pl2-xz63
Abstract
In view of the growing interest in the pioneering experiments of J. S. Tsakadze and S. E. Tsakadze [J. Low Temp. Phys. 39, 649 (1980)] relating the behavior of nonstationary rotating superfluid helium to neutron stars' glitches (sudden jumps in angular velocity followed by a relaxation), we revisit these experiments. We comment on the main results through the lens of our current understanding of superfluid hydrodynamics. In particular, we consider the possibility of a state of quantum turbulence following the initial spin-up of the vessel, and analyze the rotational decay observed by Tsakadze and Tsakadze in analogy with recent studies of quantum turbulence in the two-fluid regime of helium II.
