1. Compare experimental to theoretical results whenever possible. You should give beam equations and/or derivations of equations used. Some advanced knowledge of the expected results can be very helpful and may save you considerable time.
2. Consider repeated measurements in order to compute mean (standard deviation) for same load/deflection and/or linear regression correlations when different loads/deflections are used.
3.
Discuss any assumptions that
may be relevant to your problem. This is particularly important when
addressing
the differences between the theoretical and experimental results.
4.
Each laboratory generally has
some "unique" characteristic which should be discussed. Ask yourself
why a particular result is obtained and answer your question.
5.
Summarize results in tabular and/or
graphical form. Illustrations of experimental set-up are also
useful, and
may be necessary due to any changes in the experimental design you may
make.
6.
Label all Figures and Tables with appropriate legends and titles. Each
Figure and Table must be numbered in order of appearance and referred
to in the text of the body of the report.
Title Page (including names of team members)
I.
Abstract/Summary
II.
Introduction including
background that describes fundamental theories & principles
used as well as the motivation for the lab. Note the Introduction must
also concisely state the objectives of the lab.
III.
Methods including clear
description of the procedures and equipment used. The rule of thumb is
that the methods should contain enough detail to replicate
your procedures. Be thorough but concise and consider your audience to
have the equivalent of junior or senior-level mechanical engineering
training.
IV.
Results. Describe all results
in order of importance. Tables, Graphs, and photographs are expected in
most cases.
V.
Discussion. Discuss important
results, validity of assumptions made, and sources of error. The final
paragraph of the discussion should concisely state important
conclusions from your report.
VI.
Appendices are optional and to
be used for extensive data or protocols that would otherwise interrupt
the flow of the report.