Researchers at BQP, a startup leading the development of quantum-based engineering simulations, have achieved a significant milestone in simulating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using a hybrid quantum-classical solver. The team estimates that a large-scale jet engine simulation, which would require 19.2 million high-performance computing cores, can be conducted with just 30 logical qubits on a quantum computer.
This breakthrough could democratize large-scale CFD simulations for engineers once quantum computers become widely available. Abhishek Chopra, founder and CEO of BQP, believes that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way simulations are conducted, allowing engineers to push the boundaries of design and engineering. The study’s results have significant implications for aerospace development, enabling higher confidence during design and more proactive maintenance during an aircraft’s life cycle, according to Dan Hart, Senior Aerospace Executive and Member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Quantum Computing Breakthrough in Fluid Dynamics Simulations
Researchers at BQP, a startup developing quantum-based engineering simulations, have achieved a significant milestone in simulating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using a hybrid quantum-classical solver. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the way simulations are conducted, enabling engineers to push the boundaries of design and engineering.
The study, which involved conducting over 100,000 experiments, estimated that large-scale CFD simulation of a jet engine can be achieved with only 30 logical qubits on a quantum computer. This is in stark contrast to the 19.2 million compute cores required to perform the same simulation using classical algorithms on state-of-the-art High-Performance Computers (HPCs). The results demonstrate the potential for quantum computing to democratize large-scale CFD simulations, making them more accessible and affordable for engineers.
The BQP team used their Hybrid Quantum Classical Finite Method (HQCFM) solver to estimate scalability, accuracy, and consistency for jet engine simulations. The study demonstrated the scalability of the HQCFM solver by simulating a non-linear time-dependent Partial Differential Equation (PDE) from 4 to 11 qubits. The results showed that accuracy and consistency were comparable to classical computers, while the HQCFM distinguished itself by running inside a time loop in a transient problem without propagating any error to the next time step.
Potential Applications in Aerospace Engineering
The breakthrough has significant implications for aerospace engineering, enabling engineers to simulate complex systems with higher confidence during design and more proactive maintenance during the aircraft life cycle. According to Dan Hart, Senior Aerospace Executive and Member of the National Academy of Engineering, “BQP’s results signal the introduction of drastically higher computing power to flow field analysis and simulation. This capability can unlock new methods in aerospace development.”
The BQPhy solver has the potential to allow CFD engineers to simulate a full aircraft for the first time, enabling aerospace engineers to greatly improve flight patterns during turbulence. Given current trends in supercomputing computational advances, simulating an entire aircraft via classical computing would not be possible until 2080.
Broader Implications and Future Directions
The BQPhy solver is not limited to CFD simulations and can be used to solve other PDEs to capture interactions in gas dynamics, traffic flow, or flood waves in rivers. Combined with quantum algorithms, the technology can accurately solve complex equations with reduced hardware demands compared to traditional high-performance computing (HPC) methods.
BQP is eager to partner with organizations that share their vision for advancing quantum computing solutions. The company has already made significant progress towards its next milestone, which will be presented at a major aerospace research event in January 2025.
About BQP
BQP (BosonQ Psi) is a software platform startup that leverages the power of quantum computing to accelerate simulations. With their next-gen simulation platform, BQPhy, the startup aims to help customers from aerospace, defense, and other heavy industries dramatically shorten their product cycles and save them billions of dollars.
BQP has demonstrated 10X computational advantages with five aerospace and defense customers and has received numerous awards and grants for its innovative work in quantum computing.
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