The assignment for fan curve measurement was handed out in class.
The due date for the lab report is changed to noon on Friday, May 5, 2006. That should give you time to incorporate any information from the grading rubric, which was posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006.
The following table provides the grading rubric that is used to score your report. Be sure to address each of the categories in your report. The Max Score column allows you to see the relative importance of each category.
| Category | Max score |
| Accuracy and format of sketches | 10 |
| Report of raw data | 5 |
| Equations for data reduction | 15 |
| Tabular and graphical display of results | 40 |
| Discussion | 15 |
| Grammar, spelling, organization and clarity of prose | 10 |
| Total | 95 |
Include at least one sketch of the flow bench and one of the sensor wiring. Images from this web page will probably save you time and effort. List the sensors and digital multimeter (manufacturer, model number) used to make the measurements. A table would be a good way to present this list.
Include the raw data in an appendix. A print out of the spreadsheet form of the data would be nice.
Briefly list the equations used to perform data reduction. You do not need to list all of the polynomial coefficients for thermocouple conversion. The critical equation is the conversion of pressure and temperature data to flow rate. Define all variables the first time they are used. Consult the description of the short report format for guidance.
Describe how you converted the raw flow bench sensor readings to flow rate and fan pressure rise. In other words, identify and briefly describe your process of performing the calculations (either by manual calculations, spreadsheet, or MATLAB programs). A short paragraph is sufficient. In the appendix of the report, include print outs of spreadsheets or MATLAB program listings. Include only those MATLAB listings of programs you modified. If you performed all calculations by hand, provide a sample calculation in the appendix.
Describe where/how you obtained the manufacturers data. Include numerical values from the manufacturer's fan curve in a table.
Provide coefficients of the curve fits in tables.
Present the reduced flow rate and pressure rise data in tables and plots. Include one table for each fan voltage. Combine fan curves for both voltages and the manufacturer's data on the same plot. your converted temperature data in a table. Numerical quantities (temperature, EMF, flow rate, pressure rise) must have units. Identifying the units in the column headings is preferred.
All tables and figures must be numbered and have a caption. Refer to the description of the short report format for examples.
Discuss the trend in fan performance as a function of supply voltage. Also comment on the agreement between your measured data and the manufacturers data. Now that you have experience using the flow bench, would you do anything differently, i.e. should anything in the lab procedure be changed?