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突破125年世纪难题!北大校友联手科大少年班才子破解希尔伯特第六问题
量子位· 2025-06-14 08:33
Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant breakthrough in addressing Hilbert's sixth problem, which aims to establish a rigorous mathematical foundation for physics, particularly the transition from microscopic particle dynamics to macroscopic fluid behavior [2][13][35]. Summary by Sections Historical Context - Hilbert's sixth problem, proposed in 1900, questions whether physics can be constructed on a strict mathematical basis similar to Euclidean geometry [1][3]. - The challenge involves linking reversible microscopic laws of motion (Newtonian mechanics) with irreversible macroscopic behaviors (described by the Boltzmann equation) [8][9]. Breakthrough Achieved - Mathematicians Deng Yu, Ma Xiao, and Zaher Hani have made a significant advancement by deriving macroscopic gas behavior from microscopic particle models, bridging the gap between Newtonian mechanics and the Boltzmann equation [10][11][13]. - They provided a rigorous proof of the complete transition from Newtonian mechanics to the Boltzmann equation, addressing the "arrow of time" paradox left by Boltzmann [13][35]. Methodology - The solution involves two main steps: first, deriving the Boltzmann equation from Newton's laws through a "dynamical limit," and second, deriving fluid dynamics equations from the Boltzmann equation through a "fluid dynamical limit" [15][23]. - The team initially focused on wave systems before transitioning to particle systems, recognizing the complexity of particle collisions compared to wave interference [18][21]. Detailed Steps - In the first step, they demonstrated that as the number of hard sphere particles approaches infinity and their diameter approaches zero, the single-particle density can be described by the Boltzmann equation [17]. - In the second step, they showed that as the collision rate in the Boltzmann equation approaches infinity, its solution converges to the local Maxwell distribution, corresponding to macroscopic fluid parameters [24][30]. Implications - This work not only marks a major advancement in solving Hilbert's sixth problem but also provides a rigorous mathematical solution to the long-standing paradox of time irreversibility in physics [35][37]. - The findings establish a complete logical chain from Newtonian mechanics to statistical mechanics and fluid mechanics, enhancing the understanding of physical laws across different scales [31][34].