EMCH 361 – Mechanical Engineering Lab I

Lab 2:

LINEAR MEASUREMENTS, UNCERTAINTY, PROBABILITY and Error

Propagation

Objectives
• Determine the accuracy of common measurement tools
• Compare the applicability of resolution and probability based uncertainties
• Calculate the uncertainty of a composite quantity (uncertainty propagation)

Introduction

Error

In simple terms, error is the difference between the measured and true value. Error
consists of two components, bias and precision error. If a measurement is repeated, the
difference becomes apparent.

Bias or systemic error is the repeatable difference between the measured and true values.
It may appear as an offset or scaling error. Since the error is repeatable, it can be
corrected through calibration or adjustment of the instrument. Common causes include:
• Improper or lack of calibration
• Misalignment of parts

Precision is the random component of error. In comparing repeated measurements, it is

the variation between them. As a random fluctuation, it is usually quantified in terms of
probability.

Precision Error True Value

1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7 Bias Error
Probability

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120

Length (mm)

1 of 4
Precision error, also called uncertainty, cannot be corrected through calibration. It can be
reduced through the repair or adjustment of the instrument. While improved equipment
can reduce precision error, it can never be completely eliminated and so must be
accounted for by specifying an uncertainty range. Common causes include:
• Variability in operator experience and training
• Environmental effects, such as temperature
• Wear
• Maintenance

Propagation of Uncertainty

When reporting individual measurements, the uncertainty is determined using instrument

resolution, a probability range, or value provided by the manufacturer. If a number of
these values are combined for a composite value, such as volume, a number of
uncertainties must be combined. This is called the propagation of the uncertainty. A
common approach was established by S. J. Kline and F. A. McClintock and is shown in
equation (1).

R R R R
wR  [( w1 ) 2  ( w2 ) 2  ( w3 ) 2  ......  ( wn ) 2 ]1 / 2 (1)
x1 x2 x3 xn

Where:
R- a function of a number of independent variables, x1, , x2, , x3, …., xn
wR - uncertainty of R
wi - uncertainty of component xi

Or,

Knowing :
xi  xi  wi (i  1.....n )
Determine :
R  R  wR (i  1.....n )

Equipment used in this lab.

Gage block, Vernier micrometer, Dial caliper

2 of 4
Dial Caliper

Vernier Micrometer with Close-up of Vernier Scale

1-2-3 gage block

Procedure
• Learn how to use the Vernier scale on the micrometer
• Use the gage block to find the bias and uncertainty of a caliper
• Use the caliper to find the lengths of each side of the gage block and the
measurement uncertainty (e.g. have measurement/readings over 20 times)
• Calculate the volume of the block and its uncertainty

Report Format (suggested)

Introduction
 What tests are we doing ?

3 of 4
 Purpose or objective

Experimental Procedures
 Equipment used
 What measurements are performed ?
 Procedures

Experimental results and analysis

• Find the standard deviation from your data (on each side of the block)
• Give bias error for the measurement device assuming the 1-2-3 Block has
exact dimensions.
• Give the each dimension of the sample block, at 85% confidence level using
Gaussian distribution.
• Give the volume of the sample block, including the uncertainty (using the
equation by S. J. Kline and F. A. McClintock) at 85% confidence level using
Gaussian distribution.

Discussion
• List and describe sources of uncertainty
• Any recommendations

References

4 of 4