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 1/6 01/28/01

 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
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.

R. Ehrgott 2/6 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 4/6 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 5/6 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

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