Methods to describe a data set

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on methods for accurately describing a data set consisting of voltage measurements over time, which are correlated to thrust measurements. Participants explore the challenges of representing this data, particularly in the context of thermal drift affecting measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether taking the average voltage over time is a suitable method for describing the data set, suggesting the need for more accurate approaches.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the variability of the voltage measurements, indicating that understanding this variability is crucial for analysis.
  • A participant explains that the voltage measurements correspond to thrust and highlights the impact of thermal effects on the measurements, complicating the calculation of a single representative thrust value.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of using an average due to thermal drift, with a request for alternative methods to describe the data set more accurately.
  • One participant suggests that a single measurement may not provide sufficient information for effective analysis and proposes the idea of creating a model to predict the expected values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the adequacy of using an average to describe the data set, with some suggesting that more data or a modeling approach may be necessary. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for accurately representing the data.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the limitations posed by thermal drift and the lack of precise measurement of this drift, which complicates the analysis of the data set.

antz0r
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Hello,

This might be a simple question but I am trying to find a good method of describing a data set. I have a data set of voltage vs time for a cycle, where voltage varies a lot. Would taking the average of voltage over the entire number of times be a good way of describing everything? Or are there other more accurate methods of getting a single and accurate voltage number for the whole cycle?

Thanks
 
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Would tell about this more precisely:
where voltage varies a lot.
?
 
The voltage indicates the thrust measurement at that time. So if I convert it to thrust, it would be around 50mlbf most of the times. However, because of thermal effects (ie the instruments heat up), the measurements slowly increase over time and decrease once the device is turned off. The problem is that I don't know the exact amount it drifts because there's really no way to measure it.

I'm trying to get a single thrust measurement number for one run cycle that can describe the data. Due to the thermal drift, it's hard to represent the measurement if I just take the average of all the instantaneous thrust measurements over time. Are there any other methods of describing the data set as accurately as possible?
 
antz0r said:
The voltage indicates the thrust measurement at that time. So if I convert it to thrust, it would be around 50mlbf most of the times. However, because of thermal effects (ie the instruments heat up), the measurements slowly increase over time and decrease once the device is turned off. The problem is that I don't know the exact amount it drifts because there's really no way to measure it.

I'm trying to get a single thrust measurement number for one run cycle that can describe the data. Due to the thermal drift, it's hard to represent the measurement if I just take the average of all the instantaneous thrust measurements over time. Are there any other methods of describing the data set as accurately as possible?

You seem to need MORE data. One single measurement will not give you much to use for graphing or other numeric processing. An engineer-person should probably give you well directed advice. Do you maybe have some way to create a model to predict what value should be found in measurement?
 

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