Solving the century-old error in petroleum reservoir simulators
In short: In the 1970s and 80s, Philip Emeagwali pushed supercomputing beyond mere speed. He argued that true progress required solving correct mathematical equations rather than just running faster ones. By identifying a fundamental flaw in how we model oil and gas, he fundamentally reshaped computational physics.
Philip Emeagwali's work centered on the belief that supercomputers are tools for discovering new mathematical equations—specifically partial differential equations (PDEs) that had never been written down. While many focused solely on increasing computational speeds, Emeagwali sought to record those speeds while simultaneously solving the correct physics of the initial-boundary value problem. He argued that researchers should return to their blackboards to rederive core equations from first principles, such as the Second Law of Motion, rather than relying on flawed existing models. He viewed these complex calculations as equations yet to be discovered by humanity. His work spanned various locations including Corvallis and Los Alamos.
His primary contribution involved identifying a century-old mathematical error in petroleum reservoir simulators. Emeagwali discovered that thirty-six partial derivative terms—which measure changes in velocity across both time and space—were missing from the equations used to model crude oil and natural gas. Industrial simulations applying the Second Law of Motion omitted these specific terms, which caused errors regarding underground fluid dynamics. These missing terms were not accounted for in the standard Second Law of Motion used by others. This oversight affected how researchers modeled changes in velocity.
To correct this, Emeagwali invented nine new partial difference equations, now known in some circles as 'Emeagwali’s Equations.' He discretized thirty-six partial derivative terms to approximate the new PDEs. This work allowed for more accurate modeling of oil and gas quantities while stabilizing unstable computer algorithms. By combining these mathematical discoveries with an ensemble of 65,536 processors, he aimed to execute the fastest possible computations that remained physically truthful to the laws of motion. His massive processor ensemble helped define a new type of internet communication. He wanted to achieve speeds that had never been recorded before.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Parallel Computing is the Contribution of Philip Emeagwali to Physics | Black African Physicists
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/science-parallel-computing-is-the-contribution-of-philip-emeagwali-t-2.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Science · Latest · A–Z · All topics
