Finding VL(t) and Vc(t) in a RLC circuit with sinusoidal excitation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the voltage across the inductor (VL(t)) and the voltage across the capacitor (Vc(t)) in an RLC circuit with a sinusoidal voltage source Vs = cos(200πt) V. Key calculations include determining the total capacitance (C = 1.5 µF), the damping factor (α ≈ 3333 s-1), and the natural frequency (ω0 ≈ 5774 s-1). The participants emphasize the necessity of using phasors for accurate analysis, particularly due to the sinusoidal nature of the voltage source.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RLC circuit components (resistors, inductors, capacitors)
  • Familiarity with sinusoidal functions and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of impedance in AC circuits
  • Introduction to phasors and complex numbers in electrical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about phasor analysis in AC circuits
  • Study the use of differential equations in RLC circuit analysis
  • Explore the concept of impedance and its calculation in RLC circuits
  • Investigate the relationship between sinusoidal voltage sources and circuit response
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone studying RLC circuits and sinusoidal excitation methods will benefit from this discussion.

hogrampage
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Homework Statement


Find VL(t) and Vc(t) in the circuit below

rlc1.jpg


Where Vs = cos(200\pit) V

Homework Equations


\alpha = \frac{1}{2RC}
ω0 = \frac{1}{\sqrt{LC}}
\omega0 = \sqrt{\omega^{2}-\alpha^{2}}

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I found the total capacitance

C = 1.5 uF

Then, I found \alpha:

\alpha = \frac{1}{2(100Ω)(1.5uF)} ≈ 3333 s-1

and

ω0 = \frac{1}{\sqrt{(20mH)(1.5uF)}} ≈ 5774 s-1

So Vc = B1e-3333cos(5774\pit) + B2e-3333sin(5774\pit)

That's as far as I went. I have no idea what I'm doing :|. Also, please note that I have NOT had differential equations. This class does not require it, so please give an answer without using DQ's.
 
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I looked through some articles/lessons on these types of circuits, and they used impedance to solve for voltage drops and all that. However, none of them showed a time-dependent function. So, can I solve this problem by using similar steps (i.e. find XL, XC, and then impedance Z)?

Here are the values I came up with (noting that XC is inductive reactance of both capacitors combined):

XL = 2\pi(200\pi)(20mH) = 78.96Ω
XC = 1/2(200\pi)(1.5uF) = 168.87Ω
Z = 1/(sqrt((1/R)2+(1/XL-1/XC)^2) = 81.56Ω
I = V/Z = 1/81.56 = 10mA
 
Not sure why it isn't showing up in first post, but here it is.
 

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Have you learned to use phasors yet? That would make the problem look like it was all resistors with complex numbers (phasors) for voltage and current.
 
Unfortunately, no. We are starting the chapter with those tomorrow. This assignment is supposed to use the form that looks something like this:

A-Ae^-t/tau
 
hogrampage said:
I looked through some articles/lessons on these types of circuits, and they used impedance to solve for voltage drops and all that. However, none of them showed a time-dependent function. So, can I solve this problem by using similar steps (i.e. find XL, XC, and then impedance Z)?

Here are the values I came up with (noting that XC is inductive reactance of both capacitors combined):

XL = 2\pi(200\pi)(20mH) = 78.96Ω
XC = 1/2(200\pi)(1.5uF) = 168.87Ω
Z = 1/(sqrt((1/R)2+(1/XL-1/XC)^2) = 81.56Ω
I = V/Z = 1/81.56 = 10mA

No, because that does not account for the phasing of the voltages within your circuit. Like Antiphon says, you need to invoke phasors (comlex values for impedances, voiltages and currents). Pay particular attention to the fact that your voltage source is a cosine rather than the more usual sine generator.
 
hogrampage said:
I looked through some articles/lessons on these types of circuits, and they used impedance to solve for voltage drops and all that. However, none of them showed a time-dependent function. So, can I solve this problem by using similar steps (i.e. find XL, XC, and then impedance Z)?

No, because that does not consider phasing of voltages and currents. Like Antiphon says, you need to invoke phasors (complex V, I and X). Also take note in this regard that your voltage source is a cosine rather than the more usual sine generator.
 
Okay, that makes sense. However, at the time of this (it was a lab yesterday), we had not learned about phasors, so I'm not sure how the professor wants us to do it. I do know I can use this as the voltage source:

sin(200\pit+\frac{\pi}{2})

So now that I got that, I'm not sure where to go. This problem was for the pre-lab, so I'm wondering how to solve it without phasors. It doesn't seem possible.
 
  • #10
hogrampage said:
Unfortunately, no. We are starting the chapter with those tomorrow. This assignment is supposed to use the form that looks something like this:

A-Ae^-t/tau

That's not what your answer will look like. You have a sinusoidal excitation plus you have BOTH inductor & capacitor. Either fact precludes a response like you state and in fact necssitates a sinusoidal one for both Vl and VC..

If this is doable without either phasors, diff. eq.'s or a transform method, I don't know what it would be but I do know I wouldn't want to find out, since for sure it would be a very awkward process. It reminds me of the ARRL Handbook, trying to teach this stuff without the necessary tools. I would sit on it until you get the phasor stuff given to you.
 

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