Calculating Time Constant for First-Order Instrument Step Change

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with finding the correct formula for estimating the time constant of a first-order instrument. The instrument is exposed to a step change of 100 units and after 1.2 seconds, it indicates 80 units. The suggested formula for finding the time constant is x(t) = A(1 - e^{-t/T}), where x(t) is the value at time t, A is the final value, and T is the time constant.
  • #1
the_d
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The problem is for a first-order instrument exposed to a step change of 100 units. If after 1.2 seconds the instrument indicated 80 units, estimate the instrument time constant.

the problem I am having is chosen the correct formula for the time constant, any suggestions?
 
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  • #2
the_d said:
The problem is for a first-order instrument exposed to a step change of 100 units. If after 1.2 seconds the instrument indicated 80 units, estimate the instrument time constant.

the problem I am having is chosen the correct formula for the time constant, any suggestions?
The formula is
[tex]x(t) = A(1 - e^{-t/T})[/tex]
where
  • x(t) is the value at time t
  • A is the final value
  • T is the time constant
 
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  • #3
I don't know why my LaTex formula didn't work. Here it goes in text form:
x(t) = A(1 - exp(-t/T))
 
  • #4
much thanks
 

What is the definition of time constant?

The time constant is a measure of the rate at which a system responds to a change in its input. It is the time it takes for the system to reach 63.2% of its final value after a step change in the input.

How is time constant related to the time response of a system?

The time constant is directly related to the time response of a system. A system with a smaller time constant will respond faster to a change in input compared to a system with a larger time constant.

What factors affect the time constant of a system?

The time constant of a system is affected by the system's physical properties, such as its mass, resistance, and capacitance. It is also influenced by the type of input and the external environment.

What is the significance of time constant in real-world applications?

Time constant is an important concept in various fields of science and engineering, such as electronics, physics, and biology. It helps in understanding and predicting the behavior of dynamic systems and is used in designing and optimizing processes and systems.

How is time constant calculated?

The time constant can be calculated by dividing the product of the system's resistance and capacitance by the applied voltage or current. It can also be determined from the slope of the system's response curve on a graph.

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