Hybrid Quantum System Achieves Aircraft Simulation Breakthrough

BQP, a startup specializing in quantum-based engineering simulations, has achieved a breakthrough in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation using a hybrid quantum-classical solver.

The company conducted 100,000 experiments using its BQPhy simulation platform to demonstrate that large-scale jet engine CFD simulations could be achieved on a quantum computer using only 30 logical qubits.

Engineers use CFD in the design, testing and optimization of jet engines to simulate and analyze the complex behavior of fluids – in this case, air and fuel – they interact with the various components of the engine.

A previous study showed that performing the same simulation on classical algorithms would require 19.2 million compute cores using high-performance computing (HPC) methods. A compute core is essentially the individual unit of a central processing unit or graphics processing unit that can execute instructions.

BQP’s results suggest hybrid quantum methods could deliver better accuracy, efficiency and cost savings.

“This study is pivotal as it would democratize large-scale CFD simulation for every engineer once quantum computers become utility-scale,” said Abhishek Chopra, founder, CEO and chief scientific officer at BQP. 

“In the future, what would engineers have easier access to – 19.2M HPC cores or 30-logical-qubit quantum computers? I bet on the latter.”

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Chopra said that with continued research, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the way simulations are conducted, allowing engineers to push the boundaries of design and engineering.

The BQP researchers used the company’s Hybrid Quantum Classical Finite Method solver to estimate the scalability, accuracy and consistency of jet engine simulations.

They demonstrated its scalability in simulating a non-linear, time-dependent partial differential equation – a type of mathematical equation used to describe how things change for multiple variables  – using from four to 11 qubits.

Their results indicated that the quantum approach was as accurate as classical methods, with the added advantage of avoiding error propagation over time steps. This is a key challenge in what is known as transient simulations, which represent where the system being studied changes over time such as in CFD.

“BQP’s results signal the introduction of drastically higher computing power to flow field analysis and simulation,” said Dan Hart, senior aerospace executive and member of the National Academy of Engineering. “This capability can unlock new methods in aerospace development, enabling higher confidence during design and more proactive maintenance during the aircraft life cycle.”

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BQP’s success builds on collaborations with prominent institutions, including the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and leading universities.