Chunpei Cai

Chunpei Cai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological University. His work focuses on fluid dynamics, aerospace engineering, and computational fluid dynamics, with specializations in rarefied gas dynamics, plasma simulations, and electric propulsion systems. He holds a PhD from the University of Michigan (2005), and master's degrees from Cornell University (1999) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1997), along with a BEng from Harbin Engineering University (1994).

• Education:
• PhD, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan (2005)
• MS, Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University (1999)
• MS, Fluid Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (1997)
• BEng, Naval Architecture, Harbin Engineering University (1994)

Dr. Cai's research explores non-equilibrium gas dynamics, plasma plume modeling, and gaseous jet impingement phenomena. He has contributed extensively to understanding collisionless plasma flows, electron temperature dynamics, and numerical methods for micro-scale gas flows. His studies bridge continuum and rarefied flow regimes, with applications in spacecraft propulsion and aerodynamics.

Recent work includes analyses of jet loads under varying Knudsen numbers, plasma potential distributions, and stability of dilute plasma jets. His studies often involve advanced computational techniques like DSMC simulations and gaskinetic models.

While no specific grants or awards are listed, his publications reflect sustained engagement with high-impact topics in fluid dynamics and plasma physics. His research groups likely focus on numerical modeling and experimental validation of gaseous and plasma flows in aerospace contexts.