Abstract
The equilibrium configurations of a single vortex in a freely rotating superfluid drop have been determined. The potential barrier to vortex nucleation has also been examined. A freely rotating drop is constrained to rotate at a fixed angular momentum, as opposed to fluid in a rotating vessel, where the vessel is usually constrained to rotate at fixed angular velocity. Vortex configurations that minimize the free energy have been found for a range of angular momenta. These configurations are not necessarily on the axis of rotation as is the case for a vessel rotating at a constant angular velocity. The nucleation of a vortex is shown to be opposed by a barrier in the free energy. This barrier narrows and decreases in height as the angular momentum of the drop is increased.
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Bauer, G.H., Donnelly, R.J. & Vinen, W.F. Vortex configurations in a freely rotating superfluid drop. J Low Temp Phys 98, 47–65 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754067
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754067