Did OpenAI solve the wrong Navier-Stokes problem? (www.scientificamerican.com)

OpenAI recently announced a solution to the Navier-Stokes problem, a significant unsolved issue in mathematics that carries a $1 million prize from the Clay Mathematics Institute. However, this claim has sparked controversy as it appears OpenAI's large language model (LLM) solved a variant of the problem that mathematicians consider less relevant to real-world fluid dynamics. Their approach utilized an external force to demonstrate a "blowup" scenario, diverging from the goal of proving whether the equations can inherently lead to such outcomes without external influences. This has led to doubts about the validity of OpenAI's solution, with experts pointing out that the foundational question remains unresolved. Recent evidence from other mathematicians suggests that OpenAI's method cannot be extended to the original problem, as it fundamentally differs from the pure formulation typically regarded by the mathematical community. The realization that Navier-Stokes equations could theoretically "blow up" only under artificially created conditions raises critical questions about the nature of mathematical inquiry in fluid dynamics. As AI technology continues to advance, the implications for future research are profound, urging mathematicians to reassess their understanding of these equations and the role that LLMs might play in solving complex mathematical problems.