Norma, a Korean quantum computing and quantum security firm, has initiated a joint research project with the Aerospace Computational Modeling Laboratory at Gyeongsang National University, aiming to demonstrate quantum supremacy in high-speed, nonlinear computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for aerospace applications. The research targets critical fluid dynamic problems relevant to hypersonic vehicles, next-generation fighters, reusable launch vehicles, and unmanned aerial systems. The project intends to replace traditional CFD—which faces computational bottlenecks in hypersonic regimes—with a quantum CFD (QCFD) algorithm that exponentially improves simulation speed and accuracy.
A central technical goal is the development of quantum algorithms capable of solving nonlinear equations such as the Burgers model and Navier-Stokes equations, which are fundamental in high-speed compressible flow analysis. The project is divided into three phases: (1) QCFD algorithm development and verification, (2) aerospace prototype development with industry partners, and (3) commercialization for defense and space sectors. Norma is also integrating quantum machine learning (QML) for design optimization, while Gyeongsang National University focuses on the QCFD algorithm itself. The full research timeline is estimated at 5 to 8 years.
Professor Myong Rho Shin, an expert in quantum CFD and lead at the Aerospace Computational Modeling Lab, previously proposed the world’s first pure quantum algorithm for the Burgers equation. If successful, the project would mark a significant milestone in applying quantum computing to complex engineering simulations, potentially validating quantum advantage in the aerospace domain. Norma aims to extend this work beyond defense and aviation by converging quantum CFD with AI for broader industrial impact.
Read more from ZDNet Korea (in Korean) here and Science Chosun (in Korean) here.
March 28, 2025
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