Finding Time Constant T Without L for an LR Circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the time constant T for an RL circuit without a given inductance L. The user rearranged the equation I = V/R and utilized the exponential decay formula I = Io * e^(-t/T) to derive T. Several graphs were created using Desmos to visualize the relationship, with some yielding linear results while others were non-linear. The user seeks confirmation on the correctness of their approach and the derived equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RL circuit dynamics
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and logarithms
  • Experience using graphing tools like Desmos
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of time constants in RL circuits
  • Learn about the implications of non-linear vs. linear graphs in circuit analysis
  • Explore the use of Desmos for graphing exponential decay functions
  • Investigate error analysis in circuit measurements and calculations
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in analyzing RL circuits and their time constants.

boysenbeary
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Homework Statement
Obtain the time constant of the circuit.

- Fill-in the third column of the table with appropriate calculated values which result in a graph vs.
time that we expect to be a straight line.

- Make a plot of your computed third column numbers vs. time, and insert a best-fit line.

- Use the best-fit line to extract the time constant of the circuit.
Relevant Equations
$$I = {I_0} {e^{\frac{-t}{T}}}$$

$$T = \frac {L}{R}$$

$$V = R*I$$

$$R = 295.3 \Omega$$

$$I_0 = 0.01765 A$$
1613756751036.png
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1613756818283.png


Edit: Picture of the Circuit (Simple RL circuit)

1613758066495.png

The value of L is not given.

Attempt to Solve for T by Rearranging Equation 1:

I rearranged the equation to solve for T, using Ohm's Law so solve for I = V/R at each time.

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/qlb2n6w4bg

This graph is non-linear, but the problem says to expect a linear graph?

Attempt to Use A Generic Ln(V) Graph:

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ojvfgihyeq

This graph is linear but how do I know this is the right equation?

The point of this problem is to find the time constant T, then use that to solve for L

Would appreciate any guidance, thank you.
 
Last edited:
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I=V/R ;I=Io*e^(-t/T); ln(I)=ln(Io)-t/T
-t/T=ln(I)-ln(Io)
T=t/((ln(Io)-ln(I))
However, the "constant" T is not so constant. See the attached no.1
That means something is wrong.
If we shall change the time t [let's to add a 0.2 msec in all position] then the error will be 1% from average. See attached no.2
 

Attachments

  • Constant T as gived.jpg
    Constant T as gived.jpg
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  • ConstantT improved.jpg
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