Analyzing RLC Series Circuits Using Laplace Transforms and Complex Variables

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing RLC series circuits using Laplace transforms and complex variables. Participants are attempting to derive expressions for current in the circuit based on given parameters and equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the relationship between voltage, current, and impedance in RLC circuits, using both algebraic manipulation and Kirchhoff's Laws. Some are questioning the necessity of using complex variables versus traditional methods.

Discussion Status

There are various approaches being discussed, with some participants providing insights into the use of complex impedance and others expressing a preference for classical methods. No consensus has been reached, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints related to homework requirements, specifically the need to demonstrate understanding through traditional methods rather than relying solely on complex analysis.

lylos
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Homework Statement



I need to solve the following equation to get I = V/((R^2+(Xl-Xc)^2)^1/2).

Homework Equations



-I[(1/c - w^2L)sin(Φ)-Rwcos(Φ)]-wV=0
we know that tan(Φ) = (Xl-Xc)/R
Xc = 1/wc
Xl = wL

The Attempt at a Solution



I[(1/c - w^2 L)sin(Φ)-Rwcos(Φ)]=wV
I[sin(Φ)/c - sin(Φ)w^2L - Rwcos(Φ)] = wV
I[sin(Φ)/wc - sin(Φ)wL - Rcos(Φ)] = V

By using a helping right hand triangle, I know that sin(Φ)=(Xl-Xc)/((R^2+(Xl-Xc)^2)^1/2) and cos(Φ)=R/((R^2+(Xl-Xc)^2)^1/2)...

So I won't have to type this over and over, I'll assume the hypotnuse of the triangle is h = ((R^2+(Xl-Xc)^2)^1/2). Now when I plug in the values I have...

I[(Xl-Xc)/h (Xc) - (Xl-Xc)/h (Xl) - R^2/h]=V
I[(XcXl-Xc^2)/h - (Xl^2-XcXl)/h - R^2/h]=V
I[(XcXl-Xc^2-Xl^2+XcXl-R^2)/h]=V
I = (Vh)/(XcXl-Xc^2-Xl^2+XcXl-R^2) plug in for h now from above...
I = [V ((R^2+(Xl-Xc)^2)^1/2)] / (XcXl-Xc^2-Xl^2+XcXl-R^2)

This is where I get stuck... I don't know what to do here... This could be better to post in the Mathematics forum. If someone could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated...
 
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Are you familiar with complex numbers?
The complex impedance is [tex]Z = R + j\omega L - \frac{j}{\omega C}[/tex]
The current is [tex]I = \frac {V}{Z}[/tex]
So, [tex]|I| = \frac{|V|}{|Z|}[/tex]
and phase(I) = phase(V) - phase(Z)
 
I know that the current is equal to V/Z... We just have to show this using Kirchoff's Laws for circuits. It's part of the assignment that we do it this way.
 
lylos said:
I know that the current is equal to V/Z... We just have to show this using Kirchoff's Laws for circuits. It's part of the assignment that we do it this way.

Use KVL. [tex]V = R I +j X_L I - j X_C I[/tex]
 
hey that's cheating, i thought complex variables were out and this was to be done the ole fashioned way
JS
 
It does have to be done the "ole fashioned" way... I have it, I believe... Going to hand it in today, when I get time today I'll post what I found.
 
Solve the following equation to get I0 = V0 / ( (XL-XC)^2 + R^2 )^1/2.

I0 [(( 1/C – ω2L ) Sin (φ)) + Rω Cos (φ)] = ωV0

Known
Tan (φ) = (XL-XC) / R
XC = 1 / ωC
XL = ωL
Sin (φ) = (XL-XC) / ( [(XL-XC)^2+R2]^1/2)
Cos(φ) = R / ([(XL-XC)^2+R^2]^1/2)

Solution
I0 [Sin(φ)/C - Sin(φ)ω^2L) + RωCos(φ)] = ωV0
Divide both sides by I0 and ω.

[Sin(φ)/ ωC - Sin(φ)ωL) + RCos(φ)] = V0/ I0
Put in XC for 1/ωC and XL for ωL and factor out Sin(φ).

Sin(φ) (XC-XL) + Cos(φ)R = V0/ I0
Put in the values found for Sin(φ) and Cos(φ) from right triangle.

[(XL-XC)^2 / ( [(XL-XC)^2+R^2]^1/2)] + [R^2 / ([(XL-XC)^2+R^2]^1/2)] = V0/ I0
Combine numerators with common denominator.

[(XL-XC)^2 + R^2] / ([(XL-XC)^2+R^2]^1/2) = V0/ I0
Divide numerator into denominator.

([(XL-XC)^2+R^2]^1/2) = V0/ I0
Cross multiply to get I0 equal to an expression.

I0 = V0 / ([(XL-XC)^2+R^2]^1/2)
 
nice, and for having done so, you'll be all the more appreciative of Laplace transforms and complex variables. Both are very powerful tools for this sort of problem and many others.
 

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