The symbols are arranged alphabetically with the Latin set followed by the Greek set. If only five or less symbols are used in the report, the symbols may be introduced where they appear and this section deleted. Such definitions may run in the text or set off from the text in list form. The central theme of a technical report is developed in the main text. The organization of a report varies according to the type of subject matter.
Experimental investigations contain comprehensive descriptions of specimens and apparatus.
Theoretical investigations are concerned with abstract ideas and their application to scientific knowledge. Some of the details to be considered in the development of a report are discussed in the sections that follow. A significant part of a research report is the descriptive information necessary for an adequate interpretation of the results. Report on flight research might include such sections as vehicle description, experiment description, instrumentation, and test conditions. Generic names instead of trade names should generally be used in describing equipment.