mech lab
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The format to be used for the lab reports consists of several sections. Each section has a name, which appears in the heading, and is underlined. For example: Introduction
The sequence and description of the elements for the report will be as follows:
1. Title Page
All reports require a title page with the name and number of the experiment, name of the author, date experiment is performed, and date report is submitted. A sample title page is given at the end of this section.
2. Abstract
One paragraph, approximately 150 to 250 word summary of what is contained in the report. The abstract goes on the title page. Abstracts are important because they give a first impression of the document that follows. Electronic databases may only store the Abstract so it is important to write a complete, concise description of your work. The Abstract must include:
• Motivation: Why is it important to do this experiment? Why do we care about the problem and the results?
• Scope: What problem are you trying to solve?
• Approach: A clear description of what was tested and how. What were the key variables?
• Result: What were your key results? Key results, for example, might be the modulus of elasticity of a material determined or that stress was found to be proportional to strain. Avoid presenting too much data here.
3. Introduction
A brief background on the subject to tell the reader why the experiment was performed (motivation). Also include background material that may be required for the reader to follow what you are presenting.
4. Theory
The theory is an important part of the report. This is especially true if experiments are generally conducted to verify, evaluate, or illustrate theories. Present all key equations used in the experiment. Each equation should be numbered and the text should refer to this equation number. Derivations of key equations could be referenced to an appropriate text in the References. Assumptions and limitations of the theory are also important to mention.
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5. Test Procedure
In this section describe the test procedure that is not detailed in the manual. Do not copy procedures which are described in the lab manual. However, do describe any variations. Specific numerical values used in the test should be presented. The description of work should contain sufficient information so that someone who is familiar with the standard procedures and has access to the lab manual could duplicate your test.
6. Results
This is the most important section of the report! This is where you clearly present your hard work. Review what the objectives of the experiment were prior to writing this section. The results you present should be in agreement with the goal of the experiment. In this section clearly describe to the reader each figure and table of results you present. Make sure to use figure and table numbers (Figure 1 shows the …). Never include the raw data, which goes in the Appendix. Tables and figures should include:
• Tables - Significant experimental results as well as theoretical results should be presented in Tables. Tables of raw test data should be put in the Appendix. Tables should be titled and numbered consecutively, using Roman numerals (Table I, Table II, etc.).
• Figures - Graphs are generally the best means of presenting and visualizing results. Because of their importance, care should be taken when constructing them. A spreadsheet program is required for creating graphs. Coordinate axes should be carefully labeled and include the proper units. Data points should be clearly shown using suitable symbols. If more than one curve occurs on a graph, each curve should be clearly distinguished and labeled. The graph should contain a suitable title and have a figure number. Number figures, consecutively, using Arabic numerals (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.).
7. Discussion and Conclusions
In this section, briefly summarize what the experiment demonstrated and what you have learned. Compare the test results with standard or typical values and present possible explanations of any significant differences. Any unusual or unexpected observations, which were made during the experiment, should be noted and discussed. Do the experimental results compare favorably with expected results? If not, why?
8. Appendix
The following should be placed in an appendix at the end of the report.
• Sample Calculations - Present a sample of each type of calculation performed using the experimental data as well as any other required calculation. This may be done by hand. Scan and attach it to Appendix.
• Original Data Sheets - Raw data obtained and recorded during the experiment. Scan and attach it to Appendix.
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• Copies of charts of data which were recorded automatically (if applicable) would be included in the appendix as well as any tables or figures not necessarily pertinent to or not referred to in the Results or Discussion sections.
9. References
Why do we reference? Acknowledging sources!
GENERAL NOTES
1. The report is limited to single-spaced with Arial or Times New Roman 12 point text font, 12 point spacing after paragraph, and 1-inch margins.
2. Number all pages, tables and figures, consecutively. The title page should not contain a page number or other header or footer text.
3. A spreadsheet program is required for creating graphs and performing data reduction.
4. Use correct grammar, spelling, abbreviations and punctuation.
5. The experimental test data will be the same for each member of the group. However, each student will present the report as independent work. All calculations, data presentation, discussion and conclusions shall represent your individual effort.
6. Proofread and remove all unnecessary words.
7. FINALLY, submit in Moodle in DOC format. Confirm submission status!
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AM 317 MECHANICS LAB
EXP 1 BEAM DEFLECTIONS
Test Performed: September 12, 2016
Report Submitted: September 19, 2016
By
Tzong-Ying HAO GROUP X
ABSTRACT
APPROXIMATELY 150 to 250 WORDS INCLUDE:
• Motivation: Why is it important to do this experiment? Why do we care about the problem and the results?
• Scope: What problem are we trying to solve?
• Approach: A clear description of what was tested and how. What were the key variables?
• Results: What were our key results? Key results, for example, might be the modulus of elasticity of a material determined or that stress was found to be proportional to strain. Avoid presenting too much data here.
• Arial or Times New Roman
• 14 point text font • Bold
Example Title Page
• Arial or Times New Roman
• 12 point text font • Bold
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Sample of an 180 word abstract
ABSTRACT Numerous joint injuries are reported each year related to the sport of running. If runners could reduce the impact forces at their joints, injuries could be prevented. This research addresses understanding the mechanics related to the impact forces produced while running. Tests were conducted on a treadmill at three different speeds, 3, 5 and 7 MPH. Five different runners were instrumented with accelerometers located at the ankle, knee, and lower back. Using a computer data acquisition system, acceleration was recorded simultaneously at the three locations. From the measured accelerations, estimates of the joint forces were obtained from Newton’s Second Law (F = Ma). Fourier transforms or the acceleration records were also obtained to determine key frequencies at which the body vibrates when leg impact with the ground occurs. Results indicate all runners have a similar vibration response at the instrumented locations. It was observed that the knee acceleration measured was approximately 5 G’s or five times the acceleration of gravity. Joint forces are also presented for the different runners at the various speeds.
Motivation: why do this experiment? Scope: what problem
are you solving? Approach: what was done and how?
Results: key results found.
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REFERENCES ON REPORT WRITING
Michaelson, Herbert, How to Write & Publish Engineering Papers and Reports, 3rd edition, Oryx Press, 1990.
Northey, M. and Jewinski, J., Making Sense in Engineering and the Technical Sciences: A Student’s Guide to Research and Writing, 4th edition, Oxford University Press, 2012.
Eisenberg, Anne, Effective Technical Communication, 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, NY 1992.
Weiss, Edmond H., The Writing System for Engineers and Scientists, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 1982.
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