Instruction
This is a research report (i.e. you cannot base your report simply on personal experience with the topic) in which you will describe a tool or instrument used by mechanical engineers (e.g. hydraulic hose, calipers, strain gauge, accelerometer, dial indicator, force gauge, etc.). Tools or instruments from a related field (e.g. construction) are also acceptable. Provide the reader with enough information that he or she understands how the tool or instrument is put together, what it looks like, how it works, and how it is used in the field. *Use the report template provided to guide your work.* 1. Select a tool or instrument related to Mechanical Engineering or a related field (e.g. construction). Make sure it includes at least eight distinct parts that you can describe. 2. Analyze it in terms of its components and physical characteristics 3. Be sure to include operating principles and how the tool/instrument is used in the field 4. Incorporate figures, illustrations, or diagrams where appropriate (follow the guidelines provided in class regarding placement, numbering, titling, and citing) 5. Use a minimum of four credible sources and document these sources using standard APA format on a References page 6. Include as many in-text citations as necessary to properly credit sources used 7. You are expected to submit a multi-page document. Although you are expected to write concisely, do not economize on the amount of technical detail. A minimum of eight pages (from the beginning of the introduction to the end of the conclusion) are required, but the report should be longer if necessary. REQUIRED ELEMENTS: 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Definition & Purpose (sentence definition of the object and its purpose, use, or function) 1.2 Summarized description (summarized description of the entire tool or instrument) 1.3 Background - if applicable. (This section is an ideal place to include information on your topic that doesn’t belong anywhere else in the report, but which adds context to the report topic. It may be historical information about the uses and applications of the tool or instrument, or variations in design and function. This section is optional.) 1.4 List of major parts (also include a figure in this section that shows the entire device with all parts discussed in the report labelled). 2.0 DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTION OF MAJOR PARTS 2.1 Name of part #1 followed by sentence definition of part; appearance; operational purpose; location in relationship to adjoining parts. Itemize sub-parts if applicable (2.1.1, 2.1.2, etc.) and describe using the same information categories. 2.2 Name of part #2 followed by sentence definition of part; appearance; location and functional relationship to other parts. Itemize sub-parts if applicable (2.2.1., 2.2.2., etc.) and describe using the same information categories. 2.3 etc. 2.4 etc. 3.0 CONCLUSION 3.1 Functional Overview (reiterate mechanism’s name and function) 3.2 Operating Cycle (describe one complete operating cycle – provide adequate detail) Make sure the following seven questions are answered in the technical description (not necessarily in this order): 1. What is it? 2. What does it do? 3. What does it look like? 4. What is it made of? 5. How does it work? 6. How has it been put together? 7. Why should the reader use it? The following elements must be included in the report: • A clear and concise title • A summarized description as well as a description of the individual parts • A description of the function of each individual part • An optimal amount of detail (not too little and not too much) to allow the reader to visualize the item • A logical sequence to the information with appropriate subheadings to guide the reader • Objectivity (no personal opinions) • Answers to the seven questions above • Appropriate and adequate visuals • Written to the level of the intended audience (i.e. fellow technology students) • Appropriate formatting as shown in the report template on Moodle • Grammatical correctness and fluency Include the following elements in order as part of the formal report: 1. Letter of Transmittal 2. Title Page 3. Table of Contents 4. List of Figures 5. Sections 1, 2, 3 as itemized above 6. List of References in APA format 7. Appendices (optional) Some past report topics: • External gear pump • Double-acting hydraulic cylinder • Dial gauge • Micormeter • 6000kg Orcon hydraulic bottle jack • Bourdon tube pressure gauge • Torque wrench • Digital veneer caliper • Shell and tube heat exchanger • Charpy Impact Tester • Oxyacetylene cutting torch • Reciprocating plunger pump • Portable hardness tester