Two Report Assignment for ( SkyEssays )

R. Ehrgott 1/6 01/28/01

The format to be used for the laboratory 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 title page is given at the end of this section.

2. Abstract

One paragraph, approximately 125 to 200 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.

R. Ehrgott 2/6 01/28/01

Example 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 experienced the largest acceleration at all three speeds. 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.

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 and appropriate text. Assumptions and limitations of the theory are also important to mention.

Motivation, why do this Experiment ?

Scope, what problem are you solving ?

Results, key results found.

Approach, what was done and how ?

R. Ehrgott 3/6 01/28/01

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:

a. 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).

b. 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 recommended 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

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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.

a. Sample Calculations - Present a sample of each type of calculation performed using the experimental data as well as any other required calculation.

b. Original Data Sheets - Raw data obtained and recorded during the experiment.

c. Copies of charts of data which were recorded automatically 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.

GENERAL NOTES

1. Use a word processor or type or print clearly in ink.

2. Number all pages, tables and figures, consecutively.

3. A spreadsheet program is recommended for creating graphs and performing data reduction. If drawn by hand, curves on graphs may be drawn in pencil.

4. Use correct grammar, spelling (use spell checker!), abbreviations and punctuation.

5. Folders are not to be used. Staple the report together with a single staple in the upper left-hand corner.

6. 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.

7. FINALLY - remove all unnecessary words!

R. Ehrgott 5/6 01/28/01

Example Title Page

AM 317 MECHANICS LAB

EXPERIMENT 1 BEAM DEFLECTIONS

TEST PERFORMED: FEBRUARY 8, 2002 REPORT SUBMITTED: FEBRUARY, 15, 2002

BY

I.T. HARDER GROUP 3

ABSTRACT

APPROXIMATELY 125 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 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.

R. Ehrgott 6/6 01/28/01

REFERENCES ON REPORT WRITING

Michaelson, Herbert, How to Write & Publish Engineering Papers and Reports, Oryx Press, 1990.

Brown, John Fiske, A Students Guide to Engineering Report Writing, John Fiske Brown Associates, Solana Beach, Ca 1982.

Eisenberg, Anne, Effective Technical Communication, McGraw-Hill, NY 1982.

Weiss, Edmond H., The Writing System for Engineers and Scientists, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 1982