strength lab report, I attached all the info needed and file that i started with the lab report already
How to Write Report for CVE 310 Strength of Material Prepared by Tawsif Mohammad Hasan Teaching Assistant and Graduate Student Cleveland State University Email: [email protected] Common mistakes • Inconsistent font type and size • Writing without following given instructions • Report not well -structured • Data sheet not provided • No/wrong calculations and wrong units • Sections / tables / figures not numbered • Incorrect graphs and bad presentation • No/poorly written abstract • Poor discussion o No comparison with handbook data o No discussion from graph o Questions were not answered o Not identified reasons o No citation and reference to support statements • Vouge conclusion • No reference 1/26/2021 [email protected] 2 General Format 1/26/2021 [email protected] 3 Abstract Introduction Procedure Result and Discussion Conclusion Reference Appendix Abstract • Size of abstract: 5 ≤ line number ≤ 10. • Do not describe significance of your test in abstract. • Include problem statement and outcome of your experiment. o 25% problem statement + 25% procedure followed + 50% outcome of experiment. o Or, 50% problem statement + 50% outcome of experiment. o Outcome of experiment is basically your conclusion ➢ Do not copy paste your conclusion. • Remember, people read an abstract 1 st and then decide to read the paper. o Write abstract to draw the attention of readers. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 4 Introduction for Report • Narrow down from the broader context to your problem/target. • Describe significance of your test o If several test methods available, then write why you are using your method. o Do not describe other test methods, that you have not done. Stating them is enough. • Briefly describe what properties you will measure and calculate from your data. o Definition of properties and their significance. • Cite and put reference where necessary. • Do not write anything without learning it properly. o For each wrong statement, you will be panelized 0.5 points. • Never mention “you/your” in report. • Always “I/we.” • Always simple sentence is preferable. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 5 Procedure • Always refer to ASTM Specification. o If not provided, penalty 1 point • Specify the steps. o Describe steps properly or, o Provide flow chart and refer to it. ➢ Remember to describe important things in paragraph • If something did not work/ needed to change during test, describe how and why. • If more than one test, describe them in different sub -sections. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 6 Result and Discussion • Data sheet and sample calculation o Put actual data sheet and calculation in Appendix o In paragraph, refer to the appendix section o Always type it. ➢ Hard to understand, if photographed and hand -written (many cases) • Final result o Make a table > Number the table > Refer to table in discussion as necessary • Draw graphs, if asked in handout. • Answer questions, if asked in handout. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 7 Appendix 1: Data Sheet Appendix 2: Sample Calculation … … … Result and Discussion (cont.) • Tables o Do not underline and bold letters; unless you want to emphasize a specific word o Do not waste papers by putting unnecessary tables ➢ Write similar things in one table o Bold fonts only at header row and 1 st column (if necessary). 1/26/2021 [email protected] 8 Bold fonts not acceptable Underlined fonts not acceptable Can be put into one table Result and Discussion (cont.) • Always put a table number and title • Refer table number in your text as necessary • Place table after finishing the paragraph o If part of table moves to next page, move the entire table to next page o Do not leave part of page blank. Start next paragraph. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 9 Result and Discussion (cont.) • Excel/other software to plot graphs • Label axis properly and write unit in bracket • Legend, if more than one line • Border for both plot area and chart area • Font and border color: always black • Put figure number and title o Refer to figure number in text • Do not extend lines beyond your data points. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 10 Result and Discussion (cont.) • Discussion should include followings: o Comparison between experimental data and handbook data (if available). ➢ Is the difference acceptable? Compare with allowable range. ➢ If not acceptable, then discuss possible reasons with reference. o Comparison between different materials. ➢ Why they are different? Reasons with references. o Trends found in graphs ➢ Do these trends match with references? If not, why? Explain with references . o Discuss anything else you find necessary. o Can discuss on applicability of one material in certain field depending on your experimental value. o Make sure you have answered all the questions asked in lab handout. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 11 Conclusion for Report • Think as an engineer, not as a technician. • Write based on discussion. • Do not write what properties you found during experiments. • Report specific trends you identified for different materials. • Be specific on your claim. • Not more than one paragraph. • Not more than 10 lines. • Mention any point to consider, if necessary. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 12 Formatting and others • No grammatical/spelling mistake. • Font: Arial / Times New Roman • Font size: 11 / 12 • Be consistent in your report. o Maintain same font type and size. o Number your sections, tables and figures ➢ Sections: 1.0 Introduction, 2.0 Procedure, 3.0 Result and discussion…. (abstract is not a section) ➢ Subsections (if any): 1.1, 1.1.1 ….. , 2.1, 2.1.1, ….. ➢ Tables: Table 1, Table 2,…. ➢ Figures: Figure 1, Figure 2, ….. • From introduction to conclusion, try to finish within 6 pages. • Citation and reference: APA style o Put all references after conclusion. 1/26/2021 [email protected] 13 Formatting and others (cont.) • Appendix should come after reference. • Remember to put page numbers. • Cover page should be well -presented. o CSU logo should not cover half of your cover page. o Everything on cover page should be centered of the page. • Cover letter - not required. o If provided, should be in a separate page. o If provided, should be signed by each group members. • Disclaimer - not required. o If given, should be in a separate page. o Or, add your disclaimer within cover letter. • Group members’ names and CSUID should be typed and printed in cover page.1/26/2021 [email protected] 14 Summary 1/26/2021 [email protected] 15 • Purpose of report writing is to develop technical writing skill. • Follow the instructions, as given in the 1 st class. • Follow your handouts given before each experiment. • Follow the instructions in these slides. • Questions? o Email me at [email protected]
