Quantum wave representation of dissipative fluids

Abstract

We present a mapping between a Schrödinger equation with a shifted non-linear potential and the Navier-Stokes equation. Following a generalization of the Madelung transformations, we show that the inclusion of the Bohm quantum potential plus the laplacian of the phase field in the non-linear term leads to continuity and momentum equations for a dissipative incompressible Navier-Stokes fluid. An alternative solution, built using a complex quantum diffusion, is also discussed. The present models may capture dissipative effects in quantum fluids, such as Bose-Einstein condensates, as well as facilitate the formulation of quantum algorithms for classical dissipative fluids.

5 pages, 1 figure. Version accepted on International Journal of Modern Physics C