engineering fundamentals and problem solving,...

Engineering Fundamentals and Problem Solving, 6e

Chapter 5

Representation of Technical Information

Engineering: Fundamentals and Problem Solving, 6e Eide Jenison Northup Mickelson

Copyright © 2012 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chapter Objectives1. Recognize the importance of collecting, recording,

plotting, and interpreting technical data for engineering analysis and design

2. Put into practice methods for graphical presentation of scientific data and graphical analysis of plotted data

3. Develop the ability to graph data using uniform and nonuniform scales

4. Apply methods of selected points and least squares for determining the equation that gives the best-fit line to the given data

5. Determine the most appropriate family of curves (linear, power, or exponential) that gives the best fit to the given data

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1. Select the type of graph paper• rectangular [aka rectilinear]• semilog• log-log)

and appropriate grid spacing forthe given data.

2. Choose the location of the horizontal and vertical axes.

3. Determine the scale units (range) for each axis

4. Graduate and calibrate the axesusing the 1, 2, 5 rule.

5. Identify each axis completely.

General Graphing Procedures



6. Plot points and use permissiblesymbols.

7. Double check any point thatdeviates from the line.

8. Draw the curve or curves.

9. Identify each curve, add title, and include other necessarynotes.

10. Darken lines for good reproduction.

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General Graphing Procedures-cont’d



Log–log and Semilog graph paper

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Log-log: Power curves: y=bxm Semilog: Exponential curves: y=bemx



Axis designations

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Axis Labeling

The axis label should contain the name of the variable, its symbol, and its units.

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Calibrating log scales

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Preferred method of calibrating log scales uses powers of 10 on major graduations



Plotting data points

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Observed:

• Data points connected by straight irregular line segments.

• Line does not penetrate circles

Empirical:

• Interpretation of what occurs between data points.

• Smooth line fitted to the data points.

• Data may or may not fall on curve.

Theoretical:

• Graph of an equation.

• Smooth and without symbols.

• Every point is a data point.



Graph key

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•Defines symbols and line types.

•On a portion of the grid.

•Enclosed in a border.



Method of selected points for linear

equations1. Plot the data on rectangular

paper, draw in best straight line to fit plotted points

2. Select 2 points on the line (not necessarily data points) and record their values

3. Substitute points into the linear equation y=mx+b

4. Solve for m and b

5. Chose a third point on the line to verify the equation

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Method of selected points for

exponential curves1. Plot the data on semilog paper,

draw in best straight line to fit plotted points

2. Select 2 points on the line (not necessarily data points) and record their values

3. Substitute points into the exponential equation log y = mx log e + log b,

4. Solve for m and b

5. Chose a third point on the line to verify the equation

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Example Problem 1

The velocity of an experimental automobile is measured at specified time intervals. Determine the equation of a straight line constructed through the points recorded in the following table.

Time, t, s 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Velocity, V, m/s

24 33 62 77 105 123 151 170 188

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Procedure:

• Plot data on rectangular graph paper.

• Select two points on the line, A(t1, V1) and B(t2, V2), and record the values of these points.

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Example Problem 1 – cont’d



Procedure:

• Plot data on rectangular graph paper.

• Select two points on the line, A(t1, V1) and B(t2, V2), and record the values of these points.

A(10, 60)

B(35, 165)

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• Substitute the points A and B into V = mt + b.

60 = m(10) + b

165 = m(35) + b

• Solve the equations for m and b giving:

V = 4.2t + 18

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