University:
Georgia Southern University
Course:
ENGR1121 | Computing in Mechanical Engineering
Academic year:

2024
Views:

411

Pages:

8
Author:

Jalen W.

A SPREADSHEET OVERVIEW • Excel (and several other competing spreadsheet programs) permits engineers to carry out complex analytical procedures without getting bogged down in detailed hand calculations. In addition, Excel allows the results to be organized in a clear and logical manner. • Excel offers other advantages as well. For example, Excel has built-in features that allow you to: • • • • • • • Import, export, and store data. Organize data by sorting and filtering. Display data graphically. Analyze data statistically. Fit algebraic equations through data sets. Solve single and simultaneous algebraic equations. Solve optimization problems. Problem • Suppose we wish to analyze a projectile’s trajectory, as in Example 1.1. The initial velocity, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration are measured to be 100 m/sec, 45 degrees, and 9.81 m/sec. We wish to find the time for the projectile to hit the ground and the maximum vertical distance reached. • (a) What information is known? • (b) What information must be determined? • (c) What will be the solution strategy? • (d) What are the answers? Example 1.1 Spreadsheet Analysis of a Projectile’s Trajectory Vo and theta – input data X and y as a function of t – output data Excel spreadsheet (worksheet) • the worksheet is subdivided into rows and columns, with each row assigned a number and each column identified by a letter. • The intersection of a row and column defines a cell, with a unique address. For example, H3 identifies a cell that contains the numerical value 100; thus H3 is a cell address. • Note that the given parameters (v0, θ, and g) are entered into the right portion of the worksheet (in cells H3, H5, and H7, respectively), along with the calculated values of vx and vy. • The corresponding trajectory is shown as a table in the left portion of the worksheet (columns A through C). • everything is well labeled and units are provided, following good spreadsheet practice. Tabulated data can also be displayed graphically within a worksheet entire worksheet requires only three numerical values as input—the values of v0, θ, and g. The remaining values were all generated using formulas. the entire worksheet will be automatically recalculated if any of the input parameters is assigned a different value