Researchers from Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence, and the Technical University of Munich have made a significant breakthrough in quantum computing for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The team has developed runnable code for quantum computers and simulators that overcomes several key challenges of implementing the Lattice-Boltzmann Method. This method has the potential to bring fully nonlinear three-dimensional CFD to the quantum world, enabling simulations that are exponentially faster and potentially more accurate than classical computations.
The research, published in Computer Physics Communications, was driven by a grant from Altair and led by researchers including Christian Janssen, Vice President of CFD Solutions at Altair, and Nikolaus Adams, Professor and Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics at the Technical University of Munich. The breakthrough has significant implications for industries such as healthcare, finance, and natural sciences, where quantum computing can exponentially increase computing speed and enable more complex simulations.
This development is the latest in a string of advancements catalyzed by Altair’s investment in quantum computing, including its investment in Riverlane, a company specializing in making quantum computing more robust and practical.
Breakthrough in Quantum Computing for Computational Fluid Dynamics
Researchers from Altair and the Technical University of Munich have made a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The research, published in the journal Computer Physics Communications, presents runnable code for quantum computers and quantum simulators that overcomes several key challenges of the quantum computing implementation of the Lattice-Boltzmann Method.
The paper, titled “Quantum Algorithm for the Lattice-Boltzmann Method Advection-Diffusion Equation,” was developed under a research grant from Altair and driven by researchers from the Technical University of Munich. The algorithm has the potential to bring fully nonlinear three-dimensional CFD to the quantum world, opening up new possibilities for innovation in product design and engineering.
The Lattice-Boltzmann Method (LBM) is a widely used numerical method for simulating fluid dynamics. However, its implementation on classical computers is limited by computational power and memory constraints. The researchers’ breakthrough lies in developing a generic quantum CFD algorithm that can be run on quantum computers and simulators, enabling simulations that are exponentially faster and potentially more accurate than classical computations.
Overcoming Key Challenges of Quantum Computing Implementation
The research presents several key innovations that overcome the challenges of implementing quantum computing for CFD. One of the main challenges is that classical CFD is non-unitary and nonlinear, while quantum formulations are unitary and linear. The researchers found a unitary transformation for classical CFD in addition to developing a machine learning approach for the nonlinear aspect.
The paper’s authors also developed a new quantum algorithm that can be used to simulate complex fluid dynamics problems on quantum computers. This algorithm is based on the LBM, which is widely used in various fields such as aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and biomedical engineering.
Potential Impact on Product Development
The breakthrough significantly impacts product development across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and the natural/life sciences. Quantum computing’s superior processing power can enable exponentially faster and potentially more accurate simulations than classical computations, leading to faster and more efficient product design and testing.
“This is an important discovery for both our team and the Altair researchers, one that has the potential to open a new dimension of quantum computing,” said Nikolaus Adams, professor and chair of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, Technical University of Munich. “We have presented the building blocks for a new generation of quantum computing algorithms, which will hopefully bring more practical quantum computing applications to the forefront in both industry and academia.”
Altair’s Investment in Quantum Computing
The research is the latest in a string of developments catalyzed by Altair’s investment in quantum computing. Notably, Altair has also invested in Riverlane, a company specializing in making quantum computing more robust and practical by solving quantum error correction (QEC) challenges.
Riverlane was founded in 2016 and is known for Deltaflow, a unique QEC stack helping quantum computers reach sufficient scale to execute the first error-corrected quantum applications. Altair’s investment in Riverlane demonstrates its commitment to advancing the field of quantum computing and making it more accessible to industries and academia.
Conclusion
The breakthrough in quantum computing for CFD has significant implications for product development across various industries. The research presents a new generation of quantum computing algorithms that can be used to simulate complex fluid dynamics problems on quantum computers, enabling faster and more efficient product design and testing. As the field of quantum computing continues to evolve, it is likely to have a substantial impact on various industries, leading to faster and more innovative product development.
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