Can Rearranging V=L x di/dt to V=i x dL/dt Describe Voltage Changes in Coils?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the rearrangement of the formula V = L x di/dt to V = i x dL/dt in the context of describing voltage changes in coils, particularly in relation to inductance changes. Participants explore theoretical implications, potential applications, and the validity of the rearrangement.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that V = i x dL/dt could describe voltage across a coil due to changing inductance.
  • One participant challenges the validity of the rearrangement, initially claiming it is not true but later acknowledges a misunderstanding.
  • Another participant asserts that changing flux causes an EMF regardless of whether it results from changes in current or inductance.
  • A participant references the product rule of derivatives to relate current and voltage in the context of inductors and capacitors.
  • An example of an explosively pumped flux compression generator is mentioned as a potential application of the discussed concepts.
  • There is a query about the feasibility of applying these ideas on a small scale using coils.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the rearranged formula, with some supporting it and others questioning its correctness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the rearrangement and its applications.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about inductance and its relationship to voltage, as well as the dependence on definitions of terms like EMF and inductance. Unresolved mathematical steps related to the rearrangement of the formula are also present.

hobbs125
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V=L x di/dt is a well known formula used to calculate the voltage across an inductor due to a collapsing magnetic field.

It seems to me that the formula could also be arranged to say:

V = i x dL/dt

Voltage is equal to current times the change in inductance...

If this formula is true would a decreasing (collapsing) inductance produce an opposite polarity across the coil than an increasing inductance?

if I wind two coils together and connect them in a series circuit so they oppose each other. When the pulse goes through the coils it would cause the inductance to change (drop to zero) and induce a voltage across the coil? Could the equation above then be used to calculate the voltage across the coil?

Are there any applications where this is used?
 
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hobbs125 said:
It seems to me that the formula could also be arranged to say:

V = i x dL/dt

Voltage is equal to current times the change in inductance...
[STRIKE]
This is absolutely not true.[/STRIKE]

EDIT: Clearly I misunderstood something!
 
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Absolutely true.

Inductance is defined as flux(linkages) per ampere and the changing flux causes an EMF irrespective of whether it resulted from change in amps or change in inductance.

That's why a solenoid creates a dip in the current as its airgap closes.
 
jim is right. i haven't seen this done with inductors, but i have seen it done with capacitors (in a Wurlitzer electric piano). in both cases, it's a consequence of the product rule of derivatives:

i(t) = C(t)\frac{dv(t)}{dt} + v(t)\frac{dC(t)}{dt}

i think the counterpart for coils is:

v(t) = L(t)\frac{di(t)}{dt} + i(t)\frac{dL(t)}{dt}
 
The explosively pumped flux compression generator is an example of this.
 
Jim Handy,

That's exactly what I was thinking. And I don't see any reason why that rearrangement of the formula is wrong.

The_emi_guy,

Could this be done on a small scale using coils as I described above?
 
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