Project Grant 2535915

Federal Project Grant Summary

The University of Pittsburgh received a $543,305 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) awarded February 1, 2026, with completion scheduled for January 31, 2029. This research project delivers computational modeling and simulation services focused on applying hybrid quantum-classical computing methods to address fluid dynamics problems, specifically turbulence in complex flows. The project develops two primary technical approaches: tensor network methods for simulating flows governed by Navier-Stokes and reaction-convection-diffusion equations, which scale to digital quantum computers using variational quantum algorithms when classical computational complexity becomes prohibitive; and an analog quantum solver based on Koopman-von Neumann formalism that encodes nonlinear partial differential equations into interacting bosonic systems for solution extraction through measurement.

The research delivers comparative analyses of turbulent flow simulations across a broad range of Reynolds and Péclet numbers, with results benchmarked against classical computational fluid dynamics methods. Additionally, the project provides educational integration and establishes industrial collaborations to create a sustainable ecosystem for developing quantum technology applications to classical physics problems. These deliverables position the work to advance quantum computing capabilities for solving previously intractable fluid dynamics challenges while contributing to the professional formation of engineers and researchers in quantum-classical hybrid computing methodologies.