Abstract/Executive Summary
Make sure to include the following in your abstract/summary:
 Problem statement
 Description of the model you chose/designed
 Final results and conclusions including numerical results
Intro
Make sure to include the following:
 Brief history
 Restatement of the problem
 Options of how to/How you approached the problem
Materials and Methods (kinda outlined)
Using the materials provided, we built … (describe the catapult and its mechanisms)
Image
In order to model the design, the catapult was simplified to the following diagram:
Diagram/FBDs
where … (describe any notation used on the diagrams). In order to determine the ODE equation
describing the system, it was assumed … (some assumptions about the spoon’s inertia or spring forces
or etc.) The result was:
Starting ODE (likely somewhat complicated)
Where… (define any constants used).
Due to the complexity of this ODE, it was necessary to simplify it to obtain an equation of motion for the
system. It was assumed … (list of assumptions that changed the complex ODE to the simplified one)
These assumptions resulted in:
Ending ODE used in calculations
where… (again define any constants used).
Solving this characteristic equation resulted in:
Equation of motion for the catapult including all unknown constants
probably in terms of theta and time (ALL math should be in appendices)
Where… (define any constants used).
To determine initial conditions, we performed a series of tests on the catapult.
Table/graph of data relating relevant data only
(Explain how the data collected is used as initial conditions - i.e. how the distance travelled by the ball is
used kinematically to give us information about our catapult system). Using these as initial conditions,
the equation of motion was solved to be:
Equation of motion with constants solved
(ALL the math for this should be in the appendices)
After determining the equation of motion specific to our system, we were given the task of calculating…
(restate the problem now that you are ready to explain how you get your results and what your results
are). To do this… (explain the connections between your goal and your system). Using our equation of
motion and (whatever goal), we determined… (state your specific results of the math; work used to
solve stuff should be in the appendices).
(If you also used an alternate means of calibration you should explain it and include any relevant tables
or graphs)
(Explain the results of the launch and include an analysis of what was good and what could be improved
upon)
Conclusion
Recaps everything. Should be the third time a lot of this information is shown (Abstract, Body,
Conclusion).
Includes
 Restatement of the problem (yes, again)
 Your approach to the problem (yes, again)
 The results (yes, again – seeing a pattern? :p)
 Assessment of strengths and weaknesses