Finding the possible Resistances in order to Critically Damp a Circuit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the resistance values required for critical damping in an electrical circuit involving an inductor and a capacitor. Participants explore the transfer function of the circuit and its implications for damping behavior, with a focus on theoretical and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to start solving the problem and notes that there may be two solutions for resistance (R) based on the circuit configuration.
  • Another participant suggests starting by finding the transfer function for the circuit.
  • A participant shares their attempt at deriving the transfer function but finds the result confusing, indicating they used a voltage divider approach and transformed the circuit into a simpler form.
  • A later reply provides a more symbolic representation of the transfer function, suggesting that the participant should recognize familiar combinations like R/L and 1/RC, and relates the denominator of the transfer function to the differential equation governing the circuit's behavior.
  • The same reply encourages comparing the derived differential equation to the general form for a damped harmonic oscillator to identify conditions for critical damping.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific values of resistance needed for critical damping, and there is ongoing uncertainty about the derivation and interpretation of the transfer function.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made in the circuit analysis and the dependence on the definitions of damping and transfer functions. Some mathematical steps remain unresolved, particularly in the context of deriving critical damping conditions.

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Homework Statement



In the circuit given below, specify values for R such that the system is critically damped. Let L =2 Henry, and C= 0.01 farads.

Homework Equations


1 = [tex]\alpha[/tex] / [tex]\omega[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know really where to begin. The next question asks us to find the transfer function with the Larger value of R, so I'm assuming there are 2 solutions in which R can be. Anything that could help my brain go in the right direction would be much appreciated! I attached a picture I drew of the circuit.
 

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  • HW4circuit.png
    HW4circuit.png
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Start by finding the transfer function for that circuit.
 
Alright I went ahead and did my best to find the transfer function in terms of R and s, but my final answer doesn't make much sense to me.

I just used the s domain and transformed the circuit into a simple voltage divider. I transformed the parallel RL portion to
[tex]\frac{R*2s}{R+2s}[/tex]

then I added the series RC into
[tex]\frac{100}{s} + R[/tex]

Then solved the voltage for y by using a voltage divider (note the attachment). I did some simplifying and came up with this transfer function. Which makes no sense to me.
[tex]\frac{y}{x}=H=\frac{2R(s^2) + 200s + (R^2)*s + 100R}{4R(s^2) + 200s + (R^2)*s + 100R}[/tex]
 

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  • simplified circuit.png
    simplified circuit.png
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It might help if you didn't plug the numbers in right from the beginning. In symbols, you'd get

[tex]H(s) = \frac{(Ls+R)(RCs+1)}{2RLCs^2+(R^2C+L)s+R} = \frac{1}{2}\left[\frac{(s+\frac{R}{L})(s+\frac{1}{RC})}{s^2+\frac{1}{2}(\frac{R}{L}+\frac{1}{RC})s+\frac{1}{2LC}}\right][/tex]

The combinations like R/L, 1/RC, and 1/LC should look familiar to you. The denominator of H(s) corresponds to the differential equation the oscillator satisfies. Each factor of s indicates a differentiation, so the differential equation would be

[tex]y''+\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{R}{L}+\frac{1}{RC}\right)y'+\left(\frac{1}{2LC}\right)y=f(t)[/tex]

Compare that to the general differential equation for a damped harmonic oscillator to figure out when the circuit will be critically damped.
 

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