qFLOW
Quantum-enhanced simulations of complex fluid flows
Overview
qFLOW is a Helmholtz research initiative on quantum-enhanced simulations of complex fluid flows. The project is coordinated by our group at HZDR-CASUS and aims to harness quantum computing to address scientifically and technologically relevant problems in climate resilience, clean energy, and water security by advancing the simulation of multiscale fluid-flow phenomena.
These systems are governed by nonlinear coupled partial differential equations and remain computationally challenging even for modern high-performance computing approaches. qFLOW explores how quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workflows can expand the reach of simulations in hydrology, environmental science, and energy-related fluid dynamics.
Objectives
The project focuses on the development of quantum-enhanced solvers for coupled fluid-transport problems, with two central application areas:
- groundwater flow and reservoir-based hydrological models, and
- multiphase fluid dynamics, including bubbly flows and interface oscillations.
qFLOW combines quantum-technology development with domain-driven applications through a co-design strategy that links algorithm development directly to relevant scientific use cases. The project also aims to deliver an open-source quantum software stack for fluid-flow PDE solvers and to create reusable workflows for future Helmholtz research in Earth and Environment as well as Energy.
Consortium
The consortium brings together researchers from:
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung (UFZ)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ)
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY)
The project runs from 2026 to 2029 and is funded through the Initiative and Networking Fund (INF) of the Helmholtz Association within the Helmholtz Quantum Use Challenge.
Within qFLOW, our group contributes to both the scientific and coordination efforts of the project, including leadership in project management, communication, and selected quantum-algorithm development tasks.
Further Information
More information about the project, consortium, work packages, and recruitment can be found on the official project website: