standard test method for strain – controlled fatigue testing.
The Formal Report Formal reports contain information with more detail and content than the shorter report forms (memo). A formal report is usually submitted at the end of any major investigation. Many companies have a standard form that is to be followed when writing a formal report. For the purpose of this lab or course, the following elements of a formal report are to be included: 1. Title Page (optional – does not have to be on a separate page) 2. Abstract 3. Table of Contents (optional) 4. Introduction 5. Theory 6. Procedure 7. Discussion of Results 8. Conclusion and Recommendations 9. Appendix (optional) 10. References 1. Title Page Optional, not necessary if the report is relatively short (6 pages or less). 2. Abstract The abstract contains only enough information about the work reported on to enable someone who is searching for information to quickly determine the relevance of the report. Therefore, the abstract should contain a concise summary of the problem, important findings (results), and significant conclusions and recommendations. The abstract is usually limited to approximately 100 words. The abstract must be useful, independently of the report (no reference to figures or tables). Nothing should be in the abstract that is not in the report and nothing should be omitted from the report because it is in the abstract. The abstract is often reproduced, circulated, published, and filed independently of the report. 3. Table of Contents Optional, not necessary if the report is relatively short. 4. Introduction or Background information The purpose of the introduction is to prepare the reader for the body of the report by giving a clear statement of the background and objectives of the report, elaborate as to why the work is significant, and provide historical context regarding the work. All statements should be clear and complete because the reader may be less familiar with the subject matter than the writer. 5. Theory If the discussion of theory and engineering principles involved is not extensive, it can be included in the procedure; otherwise, include a separate section. 6. Procedure or Description of Work Experimental equipment and techniques should be described accurately and completely so that someone else could repeat your work. Drawings are appropriate. Give normal dimensions of test specimens, range of variables, and a list of constraints on the experiment (such as fixed parameters). Important mathematical expressions used in the work should be presented or referred to here. 7. Discussion of Results This is a major part of your report and will vary in scope, length and complexity according to the nature of the investigation. Basically, the discussion evaluates the results, interprets them and investigates their significance. It is the bridge that leads from the results, (tables, graphs, etc.) to the conclusions. The statement of general conclusions and recommendations is reserved for the Conclusion and Recommendation section. Use tables and graphs to highlight significant results. If the results are not extensive, they may be placed within the discussion text. All graphs and tables should be referred to in the text of the discussion. The discussion should include: 1. Major inconsistencies. 2. Your interpretation of the tabular and graphical results. 3. Error sources and possible corrections. 4. Comparison of results with published values. 5. Equipment failures. 6. An accounting for unexpected results. 7. Comparison of test with standard tests.
standard test method for strain – controlled fatigue testing