Amsterdam Science Park and CWI launch pioneering AI-Physics project to decode turbulence

IASP member Amsterdam Science Park is the base for a new research initiative led by the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), supported by a prestigious grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The project focuses on combining artificial intelligence with classical physical models to improve the understanding and prediction of turbulence, a complex phenomenon that remains an unsolved problem in physics. 

Turbulence has long hampered progress in countless fields, and this innovation holds the potential to unlock breakthroughs across diverse areas. This unpredictable behaviour in fluids, from air to water, leads to significant challenges across various sectors. For instance, in aviation, turbulence causes discomfort for passengers, structural stress on aircraft, and flight delays. In engineering, it increases energy losses in fluid flow systems, impacting efficiency and leading to material fatigue. Its complex, multi-scale nature and sensitivity to initial conditions make precise prediction incredibly difficult, hindering optimised designs and operations. 

Under the leadership of physicist Dr. Daniel Rivas, the research team will apply advanced deep learning techniques to enhance traditional fluid dynamics theories. The aim is to develop hybrid models that can more accurately capture the chaotic behavior of turbulent flows while remaining computationally efficient. The project involves collaboration with several international research partners, reinforcing the global relevance of the work. 

Improved modelling of turbulence has wide-ranging potential applications, such as reducing drag aviation, increasing energy efficiency in industrial processes, improving the accuracy of climate and weather simulations, and supporting medical research in areas such as blood flow dynamics. By integrating data-driven methods with physical insight, the project seeks to provide tools that are both scientifically robust and practically applicable. 

This initiative reflects Amsterdam Science Park’s ongoing support for interdisciplinary research with real world impact. The park continues to foster collaboration between academia, industry and technology sectors, so we extend warm congratulations for continued growth. 

Congratulations to the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) and Amsterdam Science Park for this intriguing and impactful research initiative!