Quantum computing algorithms for the simulation of fluid dynamics

EPSRC Industrial CASE

Full time 4 years PhD, starting July 2025

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise computational science and engineering, providing solutions to certain problems at speeds and scales beyond existing classical (conventional) computers. Ultimately, quantum computers may accelerate development and discovery across science and engineering, including engineering design. However, all aspects of quantum computing technology are at relatively early stages of development, and it remains unclear what applications and algorithms will most benefit from quantum computing in the long term. In aerospace (and across engineering), fluid mechanics is a critical area heavily reliant on computational modelling and simulation and, subsequently, may benefit greatly from any quantum computing advantage.

Accordingly, this PhD project will explore the extension and/or modification of classical techniques in fluid mechanics to a quantum computing setting. Given the importance of fluids simulation across science and engineering, several studies have already developed quantum algorithms for fluids (see [1,2,3,4,5] for example). However, the flow cases considered remain idealised and limited in one way or another. This project will aim to devise new, improved algorithms, seeking possible quantum advantage as appropriate.

This PhD is supported by Airbus who are co-funding the ICASE award and will work closely with the student through the nominated industrial supervisor and member of the Airbus Quantum Computing transnational team. There will be an opportunity for the student to have an industrial placement at Airbus as a part of this research activity.

The project is also part of and will work closely with the recently announced Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3), a collaboration of 18 Universities working with 27 industrial partners, aimed at developing quantum computing hardware, software and algorithms. 

It is intended that the new approaches developed in this PhD project will provide a foundation for more practical fluid flow insights from quantum computers, underpinning the longer-term goal of quantum-enhanced engineering analysis and design in the years ahead. 

References

[1] Todorova, B.N. and Steijl, R., 2020. Quantum algorithm for the collisionless Boltzmann equation. Journal of Computational Physics, 409, p.109347.

[2] Itani, W., Sreenivasan, K.R. and Succi, S., 2024. Quantum algorithm for lattice Boltzmann (QALB) simulation of incompressible fluids with a nonlinear collision term. Physics of Fluids, 36(1).

[3] Lubasch, M., Joo, J., Moinier, P., Kiffner, M. and Jaksch, D., 2020. Variational quantum algorithms for nonlinear problems. Physical Review A, 101(1), p.010301.

[4] Jaksch, D., Givi, P., Daley, A.J. and Rung, T., 2023. Variational quantum algorithms for computational fluid dynamics. AIAA journal, 61(5), pp.1885-1894.

[5] Au-Yeung, R., Williams, A.J., Kendon, V.M. and Lind, S.J., 2024. Quantum algorithm for smoothed particle hydrodynamics. Computer Physics Communications, 294, p.108909.

Research Environment

Cardiff School of Engineering offers a thriving and supportive research environment with many long-standing industrial and academic collaborations throughout the UK and world-wide. Computational research is supported by excellent facilities including the Cardiff University supercomputer, Hawk. The University is also a member of the GW4 alliance, with access to the GW4 supercomputer, Isambard.

This PhD is supported by Airbus who will work closely with the student through the nominated industrial supervisor and member of the Airbus Quantum Computing transnational team. There will be an opportunity for the student to have an industrial placement at Airbus as a part of this research activity.

The project is also integrated with the Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3), a collaboration of 18 Universities working with 27 industrial partners, the National Quantum Computing Centre, Government, and other organisations, providing further opportunities for research and networking.

 Learning and Development Opportunities

There are a range of internal training and career development courses offered by Cardiff University, which can be undertaken alongside the PhD programme. There is also opportunity to attend and participate in relevant national and international conferences with funding for this included in the project.

There will be an opportunity for the student to have an industrial placement at Airbus as a part of this research activity.

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related subject. 

Desirable skills:

Knowledge in quantum mechanics, quantum computing and/or fluid dynamics

Knowledge of numerical methods in fluid dynamics

Programming skills in Python, C++ , or similar.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Contact for further information

Please contact Dr Steven Lind ([email protected]) to informally discuss this opportunity

How to apply

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;

·        an upload of your CV

·        a personal statement/covering letter

·        two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)

·        Current academic transcripts

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date of 1^st July 2025.

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select “I will be applying for a scholarship / grant” and specify that you are applying for advertised funding, reference SL ICASE 25

Deadline for applications

31^st May 2025. We may however close this opportunity earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.