Integral for Current through an Inductor -- Not Working

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the current through an inductor using the integral relationship between voltage and current. The original attempt yielded a current of 250mA, which did not match the expected graph, prompting questions about the integration method. It was clarified that the voltage across the inductor is not constant, necessitating a piecewise integration approach to accurately reflect the varying voltage over time. Participants emphasized the importance of calculating the "area" under the voltage curve for correct results. Properly segmenting the voltage function for integration is crucial for accurate current calculations.
Lapse
Messages
49
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement


[/B]
Calculate, and plot along with (on the same plot) the voltage seen below, the current flowing in the following circuit using the integral relationship between the voltage across an inductor and the current through the inductor. Verify your hand calculations and plot using LTspice.
1OAfhV2VSUxy7Crjkpf0IEg9f5vMlkDbY_OBrxWF5zXBbFmRvDcS2_bzXBivVw6N4gesxoSPrVJlorNcbzWya3kcxrrO1J3o.png


Homework Equations


I = Io+1/L ⋅ ∫Vdτ

The Attempt at a Solution


QqJ31FPoIC8kuGiMRRIDq6VH4D-EH8cSxMVWrmdNJiIN1TvMJICJwzXoIyk1EmjnY1nMCg0WCL0hhXL74HYOn0zECdAkkm0F.png


So I am obviously doing this incorrectly because the current I obtain from solving the integral doesn't match the graph. For example, If I want the current from time 100μs - 200μs:

I = 0 + 1/400μH∫1dτ = 250mA

250mA is too high according to the graph. Where am I going wrong here?
 

Attachments

  • 1OAfhV2VSUxy7Crjkpf0IEg9f5vMlkDbY_OBrxWF5zXBbFmRvDcS2_bzXBivVw6N4gesxoSPrVJlorNcbzWya3kcxrrO1J3o.png
    1OAfhV2VSUxy7Crjkpf0IEg9f5vMlkDbY_OBrxWF5zXBbFmRvDcS2_bzXBivVw6N4gesxoSPrVJlorNcbzWya3kcxrrO1J3o.png
    14.1 KB · Views: 408
  • QqJ31FPoIC8kuGiMRRIDq6VH4D-EH8cSxMVWrmdNJiIN1TvMJICJwzXoIyk1EmjnY1nMCg0WCL0hhXL74HYOn0zECdAkkm0F.png
    QqJ31FPoIC8kuGiMRRIDq6VH4D-EH8cSxMVWrmdNJiIN1TvMJICJwzXoIyk1EmjnY1nMCg0WCL0hhXL74HYOn0zECdAkkm0F.png
    19.5 KB · Views: 387
Physics news on Phys.org
Why are you integrating a constant when the voltage across the inductor isn't constant over that time interval?
 
Good question. So what equation do I use to figure the current through the inductor?
 
You need to break up the voltage vs time equation into piecewise continuous sections and integrate over each piece.
 
  • Like
Likes DaveE
You have the correct equation, you just need to do the integral correctly. It may help to think of finding the "area" (volts*sec) under the voltage curve.
 
  • Like
Likes gneill

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
390
Replies
6
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
4K
Back
Top