from Mason's Applied Computational Aerodynamics Class Notes:
Effective engineering requires good communication skills. Documentation and presentation of
results are two important aspects of engineering. This requires good use of both
text and graphics. This appendix provides guidelines for student aerodynamicists. The first
impression you make on the job is extremely important. Learn and practice good written
communication. That is the way bosses "up-the-line" will see your work. You cannot do good
written work without practice. This is especially true in aerodynamics, where good plots are
crucial. You can't play in the band or on the basketball team without developing skills through
practice. It is even more important to a career to develop good graphics skills while you are in
school.
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When writing a memo describing the results be accurate, neat and precise. In a page or two,
outline the problem, what you did to resolve it, and your conclusion. What do the results mean?
What are the implications for your organization? Provide key figures together with the
description of how you arrived at your conclusion. Additional details should be included in an
appendix, possibly with limited distribution. When writing your memo or report provide
specifics, not generalities, i.e., rather than "greater than," say "12% greater than." What do the
results mean? When writing the analysis, do not simply provide tables of numbers and demand
that the reader do the interpretation. You must tell the reader exactly what you think the results
mean. The conclusion to be drawn from the each figure must be precisely stated. Providing
computer program output and expecting someone else (your boss or your teacher) to examine
and interpret the results is totally unacceptable. This is the difference between an engineer and
an engineering aide.
To get a pdf file of the entire appendix, select "Preparation of Written Material"
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