Physics Journal Retracts Three Papers for Violating Thermodynamics Law

A recent decision by the journal *Physics of Fluids*, published by AIP Publishing, has attracted attention in the scientific community after it informed V.R. Sanal Kumar, a professor of aerospace engineering at Amity University in New Delhi, of its intent to retract three of his papers. The retraction is based on concerns that these papers, which describe a phenomenon termed 'Sanal flow choking', fundamentally violate the second law of thermodynamics.

The three papers under scrutiny include: 1. 'The Theoretical Prediction of the Boundary-Layer-Blockage and External Flow Choking at Moving Aircraft in Ground Effects' (published March 2021, cited 24 times). 2. 'Universal Benchmark Data of the Three-Dimensional Boundary Layer Blockage and Average Friction Coefficient for In Silico Code Verification' (published April 2022, cited 12 times). 3. 'In Vitro Prediction of the Lower/Upper-Critical Biofluid Flow Choking Index and In Vivo Demonstration of Flow Choking in the Stenosis Artery of the Animal with Air Embolism' (published October 2022, cited 11 times).

The decision to retract these papers follows a post-publication review that raised significant concerns regarding their reliability. In an email dated May 16, the editorial office of *Physics of Fluids* informed Kumar that they planned to retract the articles due to 'significant issues affecting the reliability of the findings and conclusions of these three articles'. This decision was influenced by a previous retraction of another paper authored by Kumar in *AIP Advances*, which was withdrawn in 2023 for similar concerns.

Kumar has vehemently opposed the retraction, claiming it reflects a coordinated effort to undermine what he describes as a revolutionary scientific theory with potential applications in aerospace, biomedical, and national defense sectors. In his response to the journal, Kumar labeled the assertion that his work violates thermodynamic principles as a 'misinterpretation'. He has also lodged a complaint with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and has notified relevant government authorities regarding this matter.

Experts in thermodynamics have expressed skepticism regarding Kumar's theories. Dr. Emily Wang, a physicist at MIT, stated, 'Any claim that contradicts established physical laws should be approached with caution. The second law of thermodynamics is a foundational principle in physics.' Meanwhile, Dr. Martin Reyes, a mechanical engineer at Stanford University, commented, 'The peer review process is designed to ensure the validity of published research. If significant issues are found after publication, retraction is often necessary to maintain scientific integrity.'

The controversy surrounding these retractions sheds light on broader issues within academic publishing, including the challenges of peer review and the pressures faced by researchers. In response to inquiries about the ongoing investigation, the editorial office of *Physics of Fluids* has refrained from commenting further, stating that they cannot disclose details until the investigation is complete.

As the scientific community awaits further developments, the implications of this situation extend beyond the retraction of three papers. It raises critical questions about the integrity of scientific research, the accountability of journals, and the potential consequences of publishing unverified or controversial theories. Future discussions may focus on the balance between innovation and adherence to established scientific principles, as well as the mechanisms in place to address disputes within the scientific literature.