Exploring quantum use cases for the aerospace industry

The second decade of the 21st century is seeing significant advances in the development of quantum computing, a new computing architecture that mirrors the behavior of matter at the subatomic level. In 2023, IBM demonstrated quantum utility, which means quantum computers can perform reliable computations at a scale beyond brute force classical computing methods. Steady progress is projected to lead to the demonstration of an error-correcting quantum computer in 2029, according to the IBM Quantum Roadmap.

Quantum error correction (QEC) mitigates the effects of unwanted noise that can cause errors in quantum computations and is a precondition for fault-tolerant qubits in quantum computers. Once QEC is available, the application space for quantum computing is expected to greatly expand. The aerospace industry is well-positioned to benefit from quantum technology in the development of new products and advanced materials.

IBM demonstrated quantum utility in 2023 and has projected the arrival of quantum error correction in 2029 on the IBM Quantum Roadmap.

Aircraft and spacecraft are some of the most complex systems ever built. Due to product complexity, and the extremely high performance and safety standards required, aerospace product development budgets are enormous, and it’s not uncommon for new products to take decades to go from initial design to production and delivery.

But what if quantum computers, working in tandem with classical computers, could help aerospace engineers and designers speed up product development and find innovative new materials faster?

Getting on the aerospace application runway for quantum computing

The years prior to 2029 will provide time for aerospace leaders to identify use cases that could transform product development and other key capabilities. Prioritizing the right optimization use cases—those that can disrupt and transform the industry—will be critical to derive commercial value from quantum computing.

Since quantum computers follow the laws of quantum mechanics, they are inherently capable of simulating real-world quantum phenomena, such as the molecular-level interactions related to flight simulation, aircraft design or materials design.

Many potential application areas are being identified that could benefit from the properties of quantum computing and quantum algorithms. These areas, which are experiencing significant development, include advanced math and complex data structures which hold potential for accelerating computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA) and machine learning.

The business impact of quantum computers is expected to go beyond simply reducing computational runtimes.  The scope of potential disruption requires reexamining assumptions and identifying high impact quantum use cases for aerospace.

Exploring aerospace use applications for quantum computers

For example, quantum computers have high potential for aircraft simulation use cases and could transform CFD and FEA beyond confirming designs to simulating high-fidelity designs with improved aerodynamic properties. This would enable aerospace industry designers to explore more options earlier in the design process. For topology optimization design, the computational power of quantum computers could significantly speed up aerospace design optimization and compress the design-manufacturing-qualification learning cycle.

Aerospace organizations are always looking for materials that add strength to a component, weigh less, or better resist corrosion. In the materials development space, quantum computing technology has the potential to accelerate the exploration and development of new materials by predicting performance under conditions a component could experience in a natural environment.

When demand exceeds supply, organizations that have not already established access to quantum computers may face long waits. Without access, applying quantum methods, developing quantum-ready talent, innovating, and securing intellectual property may not be possible.

In the areas of machine learning for manufacturability and quality control, quantum computing could help the aerospace industry solve some of its biggest challenges. These could include confirming part compliance with more accuracy while using smaller datasets, and support for more rapid scaling.

It takes years to recruit, train, and develop workforces that have expertise in quantum systems and artificial intelligence, and also have the ability to manage functionality and workflows between classical and quantum computers. Download the report to help your aerospace and defense clients get ready for the potential of quantum computing and help them understand the implications and opportunities of this transformational technology.