Experiments, Tests, and Data: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Subject 2.017
Experiments, Tests, and Data: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Subject 2.017
Experiments, Tests, and Data: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Subject 2.017
stand up to
scrutiny?
– Use of controls
– Calibration
– Data quality
– Data processing
– Documentation and
record-keeping!
(R. Feynman)
• Mass Spectroscopy: When you put in a sample
of known composition, are the other bins clean?
• When measuring electrical resistance, touch the
probes together. Check a precision resistor too.
• Resonance in load measurement rigs?
• More time can be spent on calibration than the rest of the experiment!
• Sensors should be calibrated and re-checked using independent
– Manufacturer’s specifications
– Another sensor with very well-known calibration ÅÆ
– A tape measure, protractor, calipers, weights & balance, stopwatch, etc..
• Calibration range should include the expected range in the experiment.
• Some statistics of the calibration:
– Precision of fit (r-value or V)
– Linearity (if applicable)
• Understand special properties of the sensor, e.g., drift, PWM
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio
• Repeatability/Precision: If
Sampled Systems
• Sample mean m:
distribution encountered
x Filter xf
implementation
dxf/dt = O (x – xf)
O't x(k-1)
Example:
ifȱabs(x(k)ȱ– x(kȬ1))ȱ>ȱMX,
x(k)ȱ=ȱx(kȬ1)ȱ;
end;
Æ Limited usefulness!
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Subject 2.017
Presentations: Written
and Spoken
or
postings.
• Plagiarism:
Consider it ILLEGAL.
If there is any question about whether a phrase
(or even a particular word) should be cited,
protect yourself! … and the associated noise is
“systematically coupled to the
underlying process” [13]. …
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Subject 2.017
Linearity
Introduction:
• Bring reader from general to specific
• State hypothesis or objective
• Indicate why work is important
• Review prior work that applies
• Start at the beginning • etc
and go to the end!
Approach:
Antithesis: Michael • How the experiment or test was designed
Ondaatji (The • Details of the apparatus or system
• Accuracy and precision issues
English Patient) • etc
• Flowchart or detailed
Results:
outline may help • Major Result A, with figures and description
• Major Result B
• Omit needless • etc
words*.
Discussion:
• Do results support hypothesis?
* Strunk, Jr., W. and E.B. White, 1972. • Impact of findings
The elements of style. Allyn and • Future work
Bacon: Boston. • etc
“layman” “expert”
because it will help.
and period.