Thermocouple Data Visualization Tool
Tools
Python, Matplotlib
Year
2025
Format
Professional Project
Firebrand Ignition Test
Video footage from the experimental setup showing embers/firebrands igniting and the timber sample catching fire under the cone calorimeter.
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Project Goal
Improve a Python program used to process thermocouple temperature data and generate clearer visual outputs showing how heat spreads across timber samples during firebrand ignition experiments.
My Contribution
- Reworked a Python script so new samples could be processed by changing only the sample number and ignition time rather than frequent hardcoding of settings
- Built a reusable script that imports Excel thermocouple data and maps temperature readings to the physical sensor layout
- Generated heatmap and contour images at regular time intervals to visualize heat spread before and after ignition
- Automated animated GIF/MP4 outputs from sequential heatmaps to make temperature changes easier to interpret
- Applied the program to fire-test datasets from a 63-sample laboratory testing program
Key Features
Excel Data Import
The program imports thermocouple data from Excel and extracts the relevant temperature readings for each experimental sample.
Sensor Location Mapping
Temperature readings are mapped to the physical thermocouple layout so heat spread can be visualized across the timber sample.
Automated Animations
Sequential heatmap and contour images are generated and converted into animated outputs to show temperature changes over time.