Is Excel VBA and SQL Commonly Used in Mechanical Engineering?

Yes, Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) and SQL (Structured Query Language) are commonly used in mechanical engineering, although their applications may vary based on specific tasks and industries.

Excel VBA in Mechanical Engineering

Data Analysis and Automation

Engineers often use Excel for data analysis. VBA can automate repetitive tasks such as generating reports, performing calculations, or manipulating data sets. For instance, Excel VBA can be utilized to perform complex thermodynamic and physical property calculations, heat and mass balance modeling, and detailed performance testing.

Simulation and Modeling

VBA can be employed to create custom functions and simulations. This is particularly useful in mechanical engineering for modeling complex systems and processes. Engineers can develop tailored functions to meet specific engineering calculations, enhancing productivity and accuracy. For example, an engineer might create a VBA function to model the performance of a refrigerant compressor or the thermal behavior of a heat exchanger.

User-Defined Functions

Engineers can create custom functions in VBA that cater to specific engineering calculations. These functions can be self-documenting and allow users to verify the calculations. This approach ensures that the code is transparent and easy to understand, facilitating future modifications and maintenance.

SQL in Mechanical Engineering

Database Management

SQL is used to manage and manipulate large datasets, which can be crucial in areas like product design, testing, and manufacturing processes. Engineers often need to query databases to retrieve specific data for analysis, aiding in decision-making processes. For example, an engineering team might use SQL to manage and query test data from various mechanical components.

Data Retrieval

Engineers frequently need to retrieve specific data from databases to perform various analyses. SQL queries can be used to tailor the data retrieval process, ensuring that engineers have access to the precise information they need. This capability is essential for data-driven decision-making in the mechanical engineering field.

Integration with Other Software

SQL can be used in conjunction with other engineering software tools to handle data storage and retrieval efficiently. This integration ensures that data is consistent and easily accessible across different systems and tools. Engineers can leverage SQL to streamline data management and improve overall efficiency.

Personal Experience with VBA and SQL in Mechanical Engineering

The Early Adoption of VBA: I started using Excel VBA in 1995 when a licensee wanted a sizing program. The experience with VBA proved invaluable and dominated the rest of my career. Excel VBA provided a robust front-end for inputs, outputs, and user interfaces, while the VBA code kept the details of the calculations tamper-resistant and transparent.

Transition from FORTRAN to VBA: My previous coding experience was with FORTRAN IV on mainframes, but VBA offered a more accessible and user-friendly interface. After building a crude user interface in Visual Basic, I learned that Excel 5 had a new macro language based on VBA. This combination of Excel and VBA was perfect for my problems, allowing me to share code and ensure that the user interface was familiar to the user.

Creating Custom Functions and Simulations: I wrote numerous user-defined functions to handle thermodynamic, physical, heat and mass balance calculations, and other engineering tasks. For example, I developed functions to predict thermodynamic and transport properties, heat transfer coefficients, and pressure drops. These custom functions were grouped into separate workbooks for different applications, such as refrigerated equipment, water purifiers, and heat exchangers.

Automation of Complex Tasks: By transferring inputs and outputs into VBA as arrays, I significantly reduced the solution time for complex engineering calculations. This automation process reduced solution time from 600 seconds to under 10 seconds, making the process much more practical and efficient.

Application to Project Management: I also applied VBA in project management by creating a workbook to document commercial and technical issues. The VBA code allowed me to add, hide, and sort issues, and to display only the three most recent telecons. VBA-powered workbooks also helped in automating the creation of purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the engineering workflow.

In conclusion, both Excel VBA and SQL are valuable tools in mechanical engineering for enhancing productivity, managing data, and performing complex analyses. Their use is particularly beneficial in industries that rely heavily on data-driven decisions such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. By leveraging the capabilities of VBA and SQL, engineers can streamline their workflows, improve efficiency, and ensure data accuracy.