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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the voltage across the inductor (VL(t)) and the voltage across the capacitor (Vc(t)) in an RLC circuit subjected to sinusoidal excitation. Participants explore various methods to approach the problem, including impedance calculations and time-dependent functions, while expressing uncertainty about the appropriate techniques given their current level of knowledge.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates total capacitance and attempts to find the damping factor (α) and natural frequency (ω0) but expresses confusion about proceeding further without differential equations.
  • Another participant suggests using impedance to find voltage drops, noting that they have not seen a time-dependent function in their references, and provides calculations for inductive reactance (XL), capacitive reactance (XC), and impedance (Z).
  • Some participants mention the importance of phasors in analyzing the circuit, indicating that the voltage source's cosine form complicates the analysis without this tool.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about how to solve the problem without phasors, suggesting a transformation of the voltage source to a sine function but remains unsure of the next steps.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of solving the problem without phasors, differential equations, or transform methods, with one participant advising to wait until phasors are introduced in their coursework.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express uncertainty and disagreement regarding the best approach to solve the problem. There is no consensus on how to proceed without the use of phasors or differential equations, and multiple viewpoints on the necessity of these tools are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their current understanding and the tools available to them, particularly the absence of phasors and differential equations in their curriculum at this stage. The discussion reflects a reliance on foundational concepts that may not fully address the complexities of the circuit analysis required.

hogrampage
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Homework Statement


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

rlc1.jpg


Where Vs = cos(200[itex]\pi[/itex]t) V

Homework Equations


[itex]\alpha[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{2RC}[/itex]
ω0 = [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{LC}}[/itex]
[itex]\omega[/itex]0 = [itex]\sqrt{\omega^{2}-\alpha^{2}}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I found the total capacitance

C = 1.5 uF

Then, I found [itex]\alpha[/itex]:

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

and

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

So Vc = B1e-3333cos([itex]5774\pi[/itex]t) + B2e-3333sin([itex]5774\pi[/itex]t)

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[itex]\pi[/itex](200[itex]\pi[/itex])(20mH) = 78.96Ω
XC = 1/2(200[itex]\pi[/itex])(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.
 

Attachments

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Last edited:
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[itex]\pi[/itex](200[itex]\pi[/itex])(20mH) = 78.96Ω
XC = 1/2(200[itex]\pi[/itex])(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[itex]\pi[/itex]t+[itex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex])

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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