Complex RLC Circuit Problem (System of diff eqs)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a complex RLC circuit problem involving a system of differential equations to determine the currents at any time. Participants explore various methods for solving the equations, including the use of Laplace Transforms, and discuss the implications of the circuit's configuration and initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the circuit configuration and provides initial current values based on the assumption that the capacitor acts as a perfect conductor.
  • The participant presents several equations derived from the circuit analysis, leading to a set of differential equations for different branches of the circuit.
  • Another participant suggests using Laplace Transforms to simplify the problem, questioning whether both voltage sources activate at time zero.
  • There is a query about whether the Python package mentioned solves the differential equations numerically or analytically.
  • Participants express a need for additional differential equations to fully solve for the six currents in the circuit.
  • One participant encourages the exploration of node equations and suggests creating an equation for the bottom loop of the circuit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity of the circuit and the need for multiple differential equations. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to solve the equations, with differing opinions on the use of Laplace Transforms and the capabilities of Python packages.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the dependencies on multiple time-dependent variables in the differential equations, and there are unresolved questions regarding the nature of the voltage sources and the specific methods for solving the equations.

milkism
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Homework Statement
I need to find the six currents I_i(t) via a system of diff eqs.
Relevant Equations
V=IR, Q=CV, etc
The following circuit is:
1701517638743.png

Going clockwise the current ##I_1## goes through resistor ##R_1## and voltage ##V_11##. Current ##I_2## goes through capacitator ##C_1## and ##R_2##.
Current ##I_3## goes through resistors ##R_3## and ##R_4##. Current ##I_4## goes through resistor ##R_5##, but from left to right.
Current ##I_5## goes through the inductor ##L_1## from right to left. And current ##I_6## goes through the voltage ##V_2## from under to above.
I have found the initial values of the currents, when the capacitator acts like a perfect a conductor.
$$I_1 = 0.57$$, $$I_2 = 1.20$$, $$I_3 = 0.57$$, $$I_4 = -0.63$$, $$I_5 = 0$$ and $$I_6 = 0.63$$.
I have gotten these results through these equations:
$$I_2=I_1+ I_6$$, $$V_1 = I_1 ( R_1 + R_3 + R_4) + I_2 * R_2$$, $$V_2 = I_2 * R_2 + I_6 * R_5$$, $$I_1 = I_3$$, $$I_5 = 0$$, $$I_6 = -I_4$$.
For final I have:
$$I_1 = 0.35$$, $$I_2 = 0$$, $$I_3 = 0$$, $$I_4 = 0$$, $$I_5 = 0.35$$ and $$I_6 = -0.35$$.
I have gotten these results through these equations:
$$I_5 + I_3 = I_1$$, $$-I_5 -I_6 - I_4 = 0$$, $$V_1 - V_2 = I_1 * R_1$$, $$V_1 - V_2 = I_1 * R_1 + I_4 * (R_3 + R_4 + R_2)$$, $$I_2 = 0$, $I_4 = I_3$$.
Now the question is, to find the currents at any time. For the top-left branch I got differential equation:
$$V_1 - V_2 = I_1 * R_1 + L \frac{dI_5}{dt}$$ or $$V_1 - V_2 = \frac{dQ_1}{dt} * R_1 + L \frac{d^2Q_5}{d^2t}$$
For top-right branch I got:
$$V_2 = \frac{1}{C} \int I_2 dt + I_2 * R_2 - I_4 * R_5$$ or $$V_2 = \frac{Q_2}{C} + \frac{dQ_2}{dt} R_2 - \frac{dQ_4}{dt} * R_5$$
For the rectangular branch below I got (going clockwise)
$$0=- L \frac{dI_5}{dt} + I_4 * R_5 + I_3 * (R_3 + R_4)$$ or $$0=- L \frac{d^2 Q_5}{d^2t} + \frac{dQ_4}{dt} * R_5 + \frac{dQ_3}{dt} * (R_3 + R_4)$$
I can make an another loop for the outer branch, but you can see each differential equation depends on too many time-dependent variables. So I really have no idea to do!
 
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Have you tried using Laplace Transforms? Are they saying that both voltage sources switch on at time zero?
 
scottdave said:
Have you tried using Laplace Transforms? Are they saying that both voltage sources switch on at time zero?
I can solve the differential equations with python. And yes both voltages switch on at time zero.
 
What do you need help with?

Does the python package solve it numerically or analytically?
 
Last edited:
scottdave said:
What do you need help with?

Does the python packages solve it numerically or analytically?
I need help to find enough differential equations to solve for the 6 currents.
 
Was this helpful @milkism ? Try making an eqauation for the bottom loop.

Which node equations are helpful?

I am curious, what python packages were you using?
 
Last edited:
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