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Spin-down of a quantum fluid and neutron stars' glitches: The experiments of J. S. Tsakadze and S. E. Tsakadze revisited

L. Skrbek*

Carlo F. Barenghi†

  • Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 3, Prague 121 16, Czech Republic

  • School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom

  • *Contact author: ladislav.skrbek@matfyz.cuni.cz
  • †Contact author: carlo.barenghi@newcastle.ac.uk
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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.

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Outline

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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 114701– Published 2 November, 2026
  • Received 10 August 2026
  • Accepted 13 October 2026
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