DO NOT COPY & PASTE ANY PARTS OF THE LAB MANUAL!!!!

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

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. 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?

• % Error: What are the % errors? Present the % errors as a

range, average, or list the errors depending on which method
provides a better representation of the data.

• 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.

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J. Amirkhanian 08/23/2018
 Motivation, why do
this Experiment ?
Scope, what problem
are you solving ?
Approach, what was
Example of an 180 word abstract:
done and how ?
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.
Results, key results
found.

3. Introduction
One paragraph. 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 and
provide a description for each equation. Each equation should be
numbered and the text should refer to this equation number.
Assumptions and limitations of the theory are also important to
mention.

R. Ehrgott 01/28/2001
J. Amirkhanian 08/23/2018
5. Test Procedure
Do not Copy & Paste procedures which are described in the lab
manual. 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
tests. A bullet point format is recommended.

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 and % errors 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 (initialed by professor).

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.

9. References
-AM317 Instruction Manual – Experiment 1 Beam Deflections, CSUN.
Ehrgott, R. (2001), Hao T. (2016)

-2nd reference

-3rd reference (if needed)

GENERAL NOTES
1. Use a word processor, number all pages, tables and figures.

2. A spreadsheet program is recommended for creating graphs and

tables.

3. Use correct grammar, spelling, abbreviations and punctuation.

4. Staple report with a single staple in the upper left-hand corner.

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. FINALLY – reports are due at the beginning of class!!

R. Ehrgott 01/28/2001
J. Amirkhanian 08/23/2018
Example Title Page

AM 317
MECHANICS LAB

EXPERIMENT 1
BEAM DEFLECTIONS

TEST PERFORMED: AUGUST 23, 2018

REPORT SUBMITTED: AUGUST 30, 2018

BY

J. AMIRKHANIAN
GROUP 1

ABSTRACT

APPROXIMATELY 125 TO 200 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?

• % Error: What are the % errors? Present the % errors as a

range, average, or list the errors depending on which method
provides a better representation of the data.

• 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 01/28/2001
J. Amirkhanian 08/23/2018
 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

R. Ehrgott 01/28/2001
J. Amirkhanian 08/23/2018