Researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), in collaboration with Altair, have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Their work, published in Computer Physics Communications, presents a generic quantum algorithm capable of handling three-dimensional CFD simulations using the Lattice-Boltzmann Method (LBM). This development offers new possibilities for using quantum computing in complex simulations, potentially transforming simulation-based design and engineering.
The research addresses key challenges in applying quantum computing to CFD, focusing on creating a functional quantum algorithm. By leveraging the scalability and processing power of quantum computers, the algorithm could significantly accelerate CFD simulations compared to classical methods. The project’s success demonstrates that quantum computing is not just theoretical but poised to solve real-world problems.
Quantum experiments and computations were conducted at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre on the Atos QLM system. While this paper focused on linear quantum CFD, a separate paper by the same group explores handling nonlinearity, adding further advancements in this area.
This partnership between TUM and Altair highlights the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize fields like CFD, paving the way for faster, more accurate simulations.