The deterioration of many municipal pipeline networks across the country is a growing concern. One technology proposed for pipeline rehabilitation uses a flexible liner threaded through existing pipe. An article reported the following data on tensile strength (psi) of liner specimens both when a certain fusion process was used and when this process was not used. No fusion 2738 2710 2645 2822 2501
3149 3267 3213 3230 2763
m = 10

x = 2903.8

s1 = 281.8

Fused 3027 3346 3369 3297 3135 2900 2889 2912
n = 8

y = 3109.4

s2 = 206.1

Does the data suggest that the standard deviation of the strength distribution for fused specimens is smaller than that for not-fused specimens? Carry out a test at significance level 0.01.

Calculate the test statistic. (Round your answer to two decimal places.)

f =