Nuclear Engineering laboratory exercises provide the student with the opportunity to observe and measure phenomena associated with nuclear reactors and with radiation sources. The laboratory reports are useful mechanisms that support the development of ability to present engineering analyses in a professional manner. This document summarizes the elements of a typical report for laboratory exercises in this course.
Laboratory reports shall include and will be graded on the following:
The laboratory report should be prepared on a word processor or typewriter, with curves and drawings presented in a professional manner. The curves should be computer-generated, certainly not drawn freehand. A separate hard cover or binder is not required, but the complete report shall be assembled in proper order and stapled. Equations and sketches not computer-generated shall be equivalent to ink. Ragged edges on paper are not appropriate.
The laboratory report may be an individual or team effort, depending on the particular circumstances. In all cases, the discussion of the experiment before, during, and after the lab session is encouraged...with lab partners, class members, and staff.
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The following shall be included. Layout is optional, subject to the requirements of clarity and professional taste, and a small personal logo may be included on the title page.
Refer to the lab handout and summarize the objective of the experiment.
The discussion includes two key components - descriptions of the theory and the experimental procedure. In the theory portion of the discussion, include a sufficient theoretical background to show you have a reasonable understanding of the principles underlying the experiment. This is not expected to be extremely detailed and every equation need not be derived. However, equations that are used in your data analysis should be explained. The use of references in addition to the lab handout is strongly recommended. These references should be footnoted and listed in your bibliography. For the experimental portion, briefly describe the equipment you used. Also describe how the experiment was performed. Include sufficient detail such that another experimenter could reproduce what you did and thereby verify your results. Note any departures from the lab handout which may occur.
Effective understanding of the work demands a clear representation of the manipulation of the data into a form from which conclusions may be drawn. Logical development leading to the final form requires organization and forethought. In unusual circumstances, formulae may be presented neatly in ink as an alternative to using a word processor. Calculations must be documented: however, one typical calculation may be used to explain repeated use of the same process. Key ingredients of the analysis are:
Finally, perform an analysis of your data. Explain and interpret your results.
Key components of conclusions also include the following:
In keeping with accepted criteria for documenting field notes, the preservation of the original data sheets is required, and casual recording of data is discouraged. If possible the data sheet should be prepared before coming to the lab. The original data sheet is:
