MEMO REPORTS

A memorandum (memo) is an informal report used to convey information about a subject. Engineers and technologists must often write memos to their supervisors. Therefore it is important to learn good habits in preparing this type of document.

All writing requires the author to consider the audience. Memos for all SSEL work are to be written to the physists for whom you work. The memo should tell what was done and describe the important findings. Tell how dependable you think your findings are.

Memo reports are to be no longer than three single sided pages typed or four pages hand written.

The next few pages represent an example memo format with explanatory comments.

Explanation Example Memo
TO: Dr. D.M. Klumpar
FROM: J. Student SSEL
DATE: December 03, 2002
Memo ControlStatement RE: Mission Depolyables
SCOPE:
The scope section describes the problem. This memorandum covers investigations carried out by Jane Student and Joe Scholar on December 03, 2002. Two deployable mechanisms were investigated. Effectiveness, safety, and degradation were determined for each.
Where applicable show circuit sketches, measurement techniques, diagrams, or other items related to understanding the task. 
Figure 1.  Simple Spring  
Figure 2.  Function Data
RESULTS:
The results section CONCISELY describes the procedures and results of the investigation. It may list data values or other results that are important to convey. DO NOT TRANSFER ALL LABBOOK INFORMATION! Tables, graphs, and/or sketches are appropriate if they contain information that must be conveyed. The mechanism presented in Figure 1 was investigated to determine the possibility of use from a shuttle platform. Theoretical data are shown in figure 2. End-of-life calculations were preformed and we found that this will not eet saftey standards in its current form.
TECHNICAL COMMENTS:
Enter any technical comment or observations that should be communicated. The beam mass is a variable of vast importance, since it determines the engineering margin that we must design to. Lowering that mass will drastically simplify the saftey procedure.
CONCLUSIONS:
Enumerate relevant conclusions. (This may the only part the boss reads.)
  1. We need to redesign the deployable

  2. Lowering the current mass is necxessary to hope to pass standards.

Graphs should be drawn using French curves, showing axes labeled with units. The figures should be identified by number and a statement. An appropriate legend should be included for graphs with more than one curve.
You can download the memo report style for further reference.