Laplace analysis of simple LC tank (no resistance)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of Laplace transforms to analyze the voltage and current in a simple LC tank circuit, specifically focusing on the behavior of the circuit at the moment the switches toggle. Participants explore the implications of the initial conditions and the correct signs in the equations governing the circuit's behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the initial conditions of the circuit and presents the Laplace transform equations for the capacitor and inductor.
  • There is a concern about the sign of the voltage across the capacitor when the switches toggle, leading to confusion in deriving the correct transfer function.
  • Another participant suggests that the original poster should redraw the circuit and clarify the current directions to resolve the sign issue.
  • The original poster acknowledges the feedback and reflects on their mistake, indicating a realization of an error in their approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is a sign issue in the original poster's analysis, but the specific resolution of the problem remains unclear. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on how to approach the circuit analysis.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the original poster's understanding of the circuit's behavior at the moment the switches toggle, particularly regarding the assumptions made about current direction and voltage relationships.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals studying circuit analysis, particularly those interested in Laplace transforms and the behavior of LC circuits during switching events.

jrive
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I am stumped by an exercise in using Laplace transforms to analyze the voltage and current in simple LC tank. My issue is with the correct sign of the voltage across the capacitor ...let me pose the problem.

A circuit consists of a voltage source V, 2 switches, a cap C and an inductor L. The switch from the source to the cap has been on for a long time (cap is fully charged), while the switch connecting the cap to the inductor is open. Then at time t(0+), the switches toggle, and the voltage source is disconnected and the cap is now connected to the inductor.

v(0-)=V,
il(0-)=0,

The laplace circuit models are:
Cap:
i(t)=Cdv(t)/dt
I(s)=CsV(s)-Cv(0-)
V(s)=I(s)/sC+ v(0-)/S

Ind.
v(t)=Ldi(t)/dt
V(s)=LsI(s)-Li(0-)
I(s)=V(s)/sL+i(0-)/s

So...I can get the answer for the current fairly easily...Since the current into the cap is defined as positive when the switch from the source to the cap is on , then when the current flows from the cap to the inductor at t(0+), it is negative, or -Ic. So,
-Ic=IL

Cv(0-)-CsV(s)=V(s)/sL
solving for V(s),
V(s)=Cv(0-)sL/(s^2LC+1)
invLaplace(V(s))=V cos[t/sqrt(LC)] --> this is fine...

my problem is when I try to solve for the voltage directly...(keep in mind that if I obtain voltage by using this current across the cap or inductor, I do get the correct answer, but not when I try to do it directly), I have a sign problem that I can't figure out...

Since the voltage across the cap = the voltage across the inductor at time t(0+), then
I(s)/sC+v(0-)/s=LsI(s) (i(0-)==0)

this is the problem...the sign is incorrect, and this will lead to a transfer function where I have s^2LC - 1 in the denominator, and not s^2LC + 1 to get an oscillatory response. What am I missing here?

The cap model during the charging phase is as shown in figure in file cap_t(0-).bmp...and for the math to work, I need to change it to the model in figure cap_t(0+).bmp at t(0+). I just can't convince myself as to why...
 

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jrive said:
Since the voltage across the cap = the voltage across the inductor at time t(0+), then
I(s)/sC+v(0-)/s=LsI(s) (i(0-)==0)

this is the problem...the sign is incorrect
Hi. You're a bit long-winded, but I think I get the gist of your angst. :wink:

You say the sign is wrong, and I agree that it's wrong...so fix it!

Have you drawn the circuit of a capacitor parallel with an inductor? And marked in the current? And written the voltage across each element in terms of that current direction you drew?

Try it again. :smile:
 
Thanks for the response (and the criticism)...
 
jrive said:
Thanks for the response ...
So you discovered what you'd been doing wrong?
 
Yep...stupid mistake!
 

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