How to Solve an Increasing RC Circuit with Changing Resistance and Capacitance?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving a series RC circuit where both resistance (R) and capacitance (C) increase over time. The user seeks to determine the values of R and C at steady state and at the moment the switch is closed (t=0). Key insights include that at t=0, the current is determined by the formula I=V/R, while at t=infinity, the capacitor voltage equals the supply voltage, rendering current independent of R or C. The discussion highlights the impact of manufacturing tolerances and aging on R and C values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series RC circuits
  • Knowledge of time constants in electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with DC voltage and current waveforms
  • Basic principles of capacitor behavior over time
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of manufacturing tolerances on resistors and capacitors
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of time-varying RC circuits
  • Learn about capacitor aging and its impact on circuit performance
  • Investigate transient analysis techniques for RC circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, circuit designers, and researchers working on dynamic circuit analysis and those interested in the behavior of RC circuits under varying conditions.

T.smriti
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey,
Actually I am working on my research project and facing a problem on solving a simple series RC circuit. But the problem is the Resistance and capacitance of the circuit is increasing with the time, and I am working on finding the value of R and C at the steady state as well as the time switch is closed(t=0). These two values are obviously going to be different as both R and C are increasing with time.
All information I have about the problem in I have the value of DC input voltage and the current waveform
Also I am working on the charging side of the problem.
I would be highly obliged if anybody could give me some hint or help.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How fast are R and C are increasing? If much slower than the RC time constant just work out the circuit response at several points in time.

In the real world the manufacturing tollerance on R and C can vary anyway. For R it mught 0.5-2%. For C it could be anywhere from <1% to 80% depending on the type of capacitor. Some types of capacitors also age.
 
If it's the classic Battery -> switch -> R -> C circuit and the switch is closed at t=0 then

At t=0 the voltage on the capacitor is zero and that does not change with R or C. The current will be I=V/R and that _will_ change with R but not C.

At t=infinity, The voltage on the capacitor will equal the supply voltage which is independent of R or C. The current will be zero which is also independent of R or C.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K