Classical aspects of quantum turbulence

Turbulence in helium II manifests itself as a disordered tangle of quantized vortex lines. The study of this form of disorder near absolute zero began with Vinen's heat-transfer experiments in the mid-1950s and is still a fertile ground of investigation. This article reviews the recent developments, which show surprising similarities between helium II turbulence and classical turbulence, and points to new directions of research.