Professor Li's principal research interests are studies of solar wind energy coupling into Earth's magnetosphere and of energetic particle dynamics in the magnetosphere. His current research includes analysis and interpretation of particle and field data from satellites and ground stations, energetic particle instrument development, modeling and simulation of energetic particle transport associated with magnetic storms and substorms, and prediction and real-time forecast of MeV electrons and the Dst, AL, AU, and AE indices. His teaching activities include aerospace environment, space dynamics, thermodynamics, and space-flight hardware design.In 2010, he was awarded a CubeSat project from NSF and had been leading a group of graduate students as they design, build, calibrate, and test the CubeSat system, which measured energetic particles in space for more than two years, 2012-2014. Currently he is leading another CubeSat mission (CIRBE: Colorado Inner Radiation Belt Experiment), which is scheduled to be launched in April of 2023, and an instrument (MEET: Medium Energy Electron Telescope) development project.
keywords
Space Sciences, Space Flight Hardware, CubeSat and instrument development, data analysis and modeling
ASEN 2702 - Introduction to Thermodynamics and Aerodynamics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of thermodynamics and aerodynamics. Topics include the first law of thermodynamics, properties of pure substances, control volume analysis, one-dimensional incompressible and compressible flows, two-dimensional lift and drag, and introduction to viscous flows.
ASEN 3113 - Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Focuses on the applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics to control volumes and teaches the fundamental concepts of different modes of energy and heat transfer. Learn to use these concepts in gas dynamics, high-speed vehicle spacecraft design, environmental systems, and energy analysis.
ASEN 3713 - Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
Focuses on the applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics and teaches the fundamental concepts of different modes of energy and heat transfer, with applications of these concepts in gas dynamics, high-speed vehicle and spacecraft design, environmental systems, and energy analysis.
ASEN 4018 - Senior Projects 1: Design Synthesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Focuses on the synthesis of technical knowledge, project management, design process, leadership, and communications within a team environment. Students progress through the design process beginning with requirements development, then preliminary design and culminating with critical design. Offered fall only.
ASEN 4028 - Senior Projects 2: Design Practicum
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025
Focuses on the fabrication, integration, verification and validation of designs produced in ASEN 4018. Students work within the same teams from ASEN 4018. Offered spring only.
ASEN 5335 - Aerospace Environment
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Examines the components of the solar-terrestrial system and their interactions to provide an understanding of the re-entry and orbital environments within which aerospace vehicles operate. Includes the sun, solar wind, magnetospere, ionosphere, thermosphere, radiation belts, energetic particles, comparative environments (Mars, Venus, etc.), orbital debris, spacecraft charging, particle effects on systems, shielding, and satellite drag. Recommended prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing in engineering or related physical sciences.
