J. Phys. France 51, 2743-2746 (1990)
DOI: 10.1051/jphys:0199000510240274300

Possible long-range step interaction in 4He due to step oscillation

M. Uwaha

Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980, Japan

Abstract
Hydrodynamic interaction of steps is considered. Origin of the interaction is interference of superfluid flow associated with the step oscillation. We calculate contribution of the step oscillation to the surface free energy at high temperatures, and find that the interaction is repulsive and inversely proportional to the step distance.

PACS
6740H - Hydrodynamics in specific geometries, flow in narrow channels.
6740B - Phenomenology and two-fluid models.
6740K - Thermodynamic properties.

Key words
free energy -- hydrodynamics -- superfluid helium 4 -- surface energy