Solving a Differential Equation with L, R, E(t), and i(0) as Constants

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation involving constants L, R, and a time-dependent function E(t) related to an electrical circuit. The equation is presented as L(di/dt) + Ri = E(t), with E(t) defined as E_0*sin(wt) and an initial condition i(0) = i_0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of an integrating factor and the subsequent steps needed to solve the differential equation. There are mentions of integrating both sides and the challenges faced in performing the integration. Some participants suggest integration by parts as a potential method.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different integration techniques and sharing their struggles with the integration process. Some guidance has been offered regarding integration by parts and complex analysis, but there is no consensus on the solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concerns about the complexity of the integral involved and the nature of the answers obtained, indicating that the problem may have multiple interpretations or approaches.

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I am stumped... here is the problem:
Solve the DE using the following:
L and R are constants

[tex]L\frac{di}{dt} + Ri = E(t)[/tex]

[tex]i(0) = i_0[/tex]

[tex]E(t) = E_0*sin(wt)[/tex]

Here is my work so far:

I got the integrating factor to become [tex]e^{Rt/L}[/tex]. But now:

[tex]\frac{d(e^{\frac{Rt}{L}}*i)}{dt} = e^{\frac{Rt}{L}}\frac{E_0}{L}*sin(wt)[/tex]

But I am stuck from there. Help would be appreciated.
 
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Since you have

[tex]\mu(t) = e^{\frac {R}{L}t}[/tex]

and you also have

[tex](\mu(t)i)' = \mu(t) \frac {E_0}{L} \sin (\omega t)[/tex]

You can integrate both sides and divide by [itex]\mu(t)[/itex]

Hence
[tex]i(t) = \frac {\int \mu(s) \frac {E_0}{L} \sin (\omega s) ds}{\mu(t)}[/tex]

I switched the t to a s in the numerator to avoid confusion. After you integrate the numerator, you can replace the s with a t.
 
That's the problem... I can't integrate it.
 
Integrate it by parts. Let [itex]u=\sin(\omega t)[/itex] and let [itex]dv=exp\left(\frac{Rt}{L})[/itex].

You'll have to integrate by parts twice and then algebraically solve for the integral. This integral actually pops up all the time in second order dynamic systems.
 
You can either integrate by parts or, if you're comfortable with complex analysis, you can note that

[tex]\int e^{at} \sin \omega t dt = I am \int e^{(a + i \omega) t} dt[/tex]

and extract the imaginary part after performing the integration.
 
I got some really messy answer... is that ok?
 
That depends on the answer! :biggrin:

Why don't you post what you did so we can see it?
 

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