AI cracked the Navier–Stokes challenge. What does that mean for physics? (www.nature.com)

OpenAI recently announced that its advanced AI model has addressed the Navier–Stokes equations, a significant Millennium Prize Problem. This groundbreaking solution demonstrates that these equations, which describe fluid motion, can lead to 'singularities'—instances predicting infinite speeds in fluids—when conditions push the equations beyond their typical applicability. The specific case examined involves fluid vortices that become extremely thin, reaching a width of about 70 nanometers, where the Navier–Stokes model fails due to its assumption of continuous fluid behavior rather than accounting for particle-level interactions. The implications of this achievement are profound for both the AI/ML community and the field of fluid dynamics. It sparks discussions about the evolving mathematical capabilities of AI and the potential for these models to absorb extensive unpublished research. Moreover, this breakthrough raises questions about the adequacy of current models like the Navier–Stokes equations for compressible and rarefied fluids, highlighting a need for alternative approaches, such as the Boltzmann equation or rigorous molecular simulations. Understanding these breakdowns could pave the way for new insights in fluid dynamics applicable in various fields, including aerospace engineering and nanotechnology.