An equation previously proposed to describe the evolution of vortex-line density in rotating counterflow turbulent tangles in superfluid helium [Phys. Rev B 69, 094513 (2004)] is generalized to incorporate nonvanishing barycentric velocity and velocity gradients. Our generalization is compared with an analogous approach proposed by Lipniacki [Eur. J. Mech. B Fluids 25, 435 (2006)], and with experimental results by Swanson et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 190 (1983)] in rotating counterflow, and it is used to evaluate the vortex density in plane Couette and Poiseuille flows of superfluid helium.

• Received 14 March 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.78.024524