Project Report Guidelines - Classes

• Discusses the values calculated for safety factors, whether they make sense or not, provides justification for the
values that do not make sense, tracing them back to the assumptions. Provides future direction to compute
correct safety factors.
• Discusses reliability and risk aspects: why was the system designed to the factor(s) of safety you’ve
calculated?
• References detailed engineering calculations located in the Appendix. These calculations are neatly
formatted and explained, including all assumptions and equations, and free from technical errors.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
• Summarizes your system, analysis results, and system’s failure potential
• Addresses the validity of every assumption based on results.
• Offers recommendations on (a) how the device could be better designed and (b) whether the company
should invest in this product further.
Works Cited
• Includes all sources referenced in document, correctly formatted per APA (or other?) style
Appendixes
• Functional Decomposition and Engineering Requirements.
• Free Body Diagrams (number as Figures B1, B2, B3, etc., include captions identifying captions (e.g.,
“Figure B1. Handle diagram), and force analysis calculations.
• C: Static and fatigue failure analysis calculations (title and number individual calculations as C1, C2, C3,
etc (e.g., “C1: Static Stress on Spring”). One set of calculations per page.
GLOBAL DOCUMENT QUALITIES:
Clarity and Concision
• Writing is straightforward and free of padding, with no unnecessary repetition of information.
• Main ideas stand out and claims are sufficiently supported with relevant details and references.
Organization
• Text contains effective sequencing and paragraph breaks, and the writing is easy to follow.
• Writing includes smooth, effective transitions between sections, paragraphs, sentences, and ideas.
• Introductory and sign-posting text is used to orient the reader.
• Details fit where placed.
Conventions of Usage and Style
• Writing demonstrates excellent control of standard writing conventions (punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, grammar) and uses them effectively to enhance communication.
• Tone and vocabulary are appropriate for target audience
Citation Practices
Supporting visuals
• Figures and tables (both within document body and in appendixes) are sequentially numbered (Fig. 1, Table
1, Fig A1, etc.) and referenced in the body of the report, prior to appearance in text.
• Figures and tables include explanatory captions. If borrowed from another source, source should be cited in
caption.
Information drawn from other sources:
• Borrowed information is properly cited in text (using APA format)
• All cited sources are included in bibliography in APA format