Effects of channel of superfluid helium (He II) on heat transport character
istics, especially on the h-transition heat flux and temperature rise at th
e channel end, are investigated experimentally and numerically. The ends of
the channel are kept open to an He II bath under the atmospheric pressure
condition. Supply of heat to the channel results in temperature rise at the
channel end. This temperature rise increases with an increase in aspect ra
tio of the channel. The increase in temperature rise leads to a decrease in
the h-transition heat flux. The temperature rise and the h-transition heat
flux are estimated by solving two-dimensional heat transport equation cons
idering not only the channel but also the He II bath. The results of the pr
esent study indicates that the temperature distribution in the He II channe
l is affected by two- or three-dimensional heat flow around the channel end
, especially for a channel having larger aspect ratio. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc
ience Ltd. All rights reserved.