Engine Monitoring System: R & D Roadmap for the Instrumentation and Controls Platform for Engine Development
Date
2025
Authors
Lemieux, Kristopher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University Of Victoria
Abstract
The engine monitoring platform is a combination of electrical and software systems designed for testing and developing hybrid rocket engines. This system's primary goal is to actuate valves at specific times, feeding liquid oxidizer into a combustion chamber where it contacts solid fuel, causing a reaction that initiates rocket propulsion. The system enhances existing infrastructure by integrating a MiniPC, TP-Link directional antennas, Arduino-based controls, and a LabJack instrumentation system. Communication is established via a reliable, low-latency WebSocket protocol over Wi-Fi, selected after evaluating alternatives like RF and fiber optics. The instrumentation subsystem employs a LabJack U6 Pro data logger, utilizing a custom Python driver for optimized sensor integration and flexibility. The control subsystem uses structured WebSocket APIs to communicate efficiently between the mission control and valve system. Mission Control’s graphical user interface, built on the web application framework, and provides real-time visualization and control capabilities.