Simulating Fluid Flows with Quantum Computing

Given the promise of computational advantage in memory and speed, quantum computing has emerged as a potential counterpart to classical machines, for numerically solving problems in a wide range of applications, each with a unique computational challenge. We discuss one such unique domain -- fluid dynamics, whose study involves solving well defined, governing partial differential equations, derived from the underlying flow physics. By giving an overview of the progress made in this direction thus far, we discuss how computational fluid dynamics could take advantage of quantum algorithms, while highlighting the challenges involved in simulating practical nonlinear flows. We will also delve into some specific state-of-the-art quantum algorithms and their flow simulation results to highlight the intricacies involved. We then provide a pragmatic outlook by discussing current capabilities, future directions, opportunities and bottlenecks that need attention in this direction of research. We will also highlight specific open source quantum simulator tools such as QFlowS that were developed in-house as part of this work.