Millionfold accelerated AI solver for 3D multi-physical simulations of ultrapermeable membranes

Abstract Solving three-dimensional (3D) multi-physics forward and inverse problems is indispensable for fundamental understanding and optimal design of membrane-based desalination systems. Unfortunately, it is computationally expensive when applying traditional numerical methods. Herein, a modified...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yanjin Liu, Jiu Luo, Mingming Huang, Hong Liu, Zhiwei Wang, Yi Heng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:npj Clean Water
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-025-00491-1
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Solving three-dimensional (3D) multi-physics forward and inverse problems is indispensable for fundamental understanding and optimal design of membrane-based desalination systems. Unfortunately, it is computationally expensive when applying traditional numerical methods. Herein, a modified Fourier neural operator (FNO)-based method is proposed to efficiently solve complex 3D multi-physics problems. The intelligent solver solves the 3D forward problems in seconds, which is approximately 105-106 times faster than traditional finite-element based method with a comparable solution quality. The average prediction accuracy is more than 96%. Moreover, the proposed FNO-based method is mesh-independent and has zero-shot super-resolution ability. It can be used to provide a fast solution for the optimal design of membrane module to mitigate concentration polarization and membrane fouling for next-generation ultrapermeable membrane system.
ISSN:2059-7037