The dependence of thermal shock wave velocity on heat flux in helium II

Abstract

When thermal shock waves propagate in helium II their velocity is related to the heat flux behind the wave. The authors derive this relation theoretically and compare it with the theoretical approach of Lutset and co-workers (1981) and the experimental results of Cummings and co-workers (1978). They also comment on the remarks made by Turner (1981) concerning the observation of a critical velocity in shock wave experiments.