Mathematicians just solved a 125-year-old problem, uniting 3 theories in physics
9 hours ago
- #physics
- #mathematics
- #fluid-dynamics
- David Hilbert presented 23 unsolved mathematical problems in 1900, influencing 125 years of mathematical thought.
- Hilbert's sixth problem called for axiomatizing physics, grounding physical theories in minimal mathematical assumptions.
- Mathematicians Yu Deng, Zaher Hani, and Xiao Ma claim a breakthrough in unifying fluid dynamics theories.
- Their work bridges microscopic (Newton's laws), mesoscopic (Boltzmann equation), and macroscopic (Euler & Navier-Stokes equations) theories of fluid motion.
- The proof extends previous short-timescale derivations to long timescales, overcoming complexity from particle interactions.
- This unification mathematically justifies fluid dynamics theories, strengthening confidence in their validity.
- The achievement marks progress in Hilbert's sixth problem, potentially inspiring further breakthroughs in physics.