Laplace transforms for the transient analysis of networks

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around using Laplace transforms to analyze the transient behavior of an LR series circuit. Participants are attempting to derive an expression for the current flowing through the circuit, given initial conditions and component values.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for the instantaneous current in an LR circuit, but another questions the relevance of the calculations without a specific time value provided.
  • A participant suggests starting with the differential equation for the circuit, which should include current, resistance, inductance, and voltage.
  • Another participant attempts to apply Laplace transforms to the circuit equations, expressing the relationship between voltages and currents.
  • There are discussions about manipulating the terms in the Laplace domain and the need for partial fraction decomposition to find the time-domain solution.
  • One participant expresses confusion over their calculations and seeks clarification on the correct approach to partial fractions.
  • Another participant points out an error in the values obtained for the partial fraction decomposition, suggesting both values should be equal to 3/5.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their derived expressions and calculations, with one admitting to needing an online calculator for assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the derived expressions or the steps taken in the calculations. Multiple competing views and approaches are presented, and participants express uncertainty about their results.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for accurate Laplace transform tables and express limitations in their current resources, which may affect their calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in circuit analysis, particularly those learning about Laplace transforms and transient response in electrical engineering contexts.

agata78
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Homework Statement



Use Laplace transforms to derive an expression for the current flowing in the circuit shown in the figure, given that i = 0 when t=0

Homework Equations



Expression for the current in an LR series circuit
I(t) = V / R (1-e-Rt/L)

V - Volts (6V)
R - Ohms (10Ω)
L - Henries (2H)
t - Seconds
e - The base of the Natural Logarithm = 2.71828

Steady State Current
I = V / R
I = 6 / 10
I = 0.6 A

Time Constant
τ = L / R
τ = 2 / 10
τ = 0.2 seconds

Instantaneous Current
I(t) = Vs / R (1 - e-Rt/L)
I(t) = 6 / 10 (1 - e-10x0.2/2)
I(t) = 6 / 10 (1 - e-2/2)
I(t) = 6 / 10 (1 - 0.36787)
I(t) = 0.6 (0.63213)
I(t) = 0.379
I(t) = 0.38 A
 

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I don't know what you were calculating for I(t) in the Relevant Equations section above since no value for t was given in the problem statement, nor were you asked to calculate I for a specific value of t. But anyways, you haven't addressed the question as stated...
 
The first thing you need to do is write the differential equation for the circuit. This differential equation should involve I, dI/dt, V, R, and L. After you do that, you will be able to take the Laplace Transform of the equation. So... what is your differential equation?

Chet
 
I found a very similair example, but don't know how to use my numbers. I am running out of the time now. Can you help?

The voltage, V, will be the sum of the two voltages, VR and VL. Where VR = Ri(t) and VL = L(di(t)/dt).

Thus, 6 = VR + VL = 10i(t) + 2 di(t) /dt


Applying the Laplace Transforms gives:

L(V) = L[Ri(t) + Ldi(t)/dt] = L(Ri(t) + L[L di(t)/dt] )


L(V) = RL(i(t)) + LL[di(t)/dt]


Using the table of standard Laplace transforms gives:

V / s - RI(s) + sL[I(s) - i(0)] V / s = RI(s) + sL[I(s) - 0] = RI(s) + sLI(s) = I(s) x (R + sL)

or I(s) = V / s(R+sL)
 
Last edited:
Just plug in your component values. You've got R = 10 and L = 2.

Reduce the (R + sL) term to the form (s + n) by a suitable manipulation.
 
ok,

I(s)=6/ (s(10+2s))= 3/ (s(s+5))
I(t)= 3+ 3e -5t = 3(1+e -5t)

Am i right ? And what next? I think i will have to deal with partial fractions.

Is= 3/ s(s+5)= A /s + B / (s+5)
 
agata78 said:
ok,

I(s)=6 (s(10+2s))= 3/ (s(s+5))
I(t)= 3+ 3e -5t = 3(1+e -5t)

Am i right ? And what next? I think i will have to deal with partial fractions.

Is= 3/ s(s+5)= A /s + B / (s+5)

You need to do the partial fractions first, before you try to write the time domain function! Your I(t) above is not correct (largely due to it ending up with the wrong constant "3").

So do your partial fractions, then transform term by term.

If you're working with good tables you'll probably find an entry for the form ##\frac{\alpha}{s(s + \alpha)}## which you can use directly and skip the partial fractions.
 
I had to calculate partial fractions cause my table is rubbish.

A= -6/5
B= 3/5

What to do next?

(-6/5 )/s + (3/5) (10+2s)

i(t) = -6/5 +( 3/10)e -2t


The answer should be 0.6(1-e -5t)

Could you tell me where i made mistake?
 
Last edited:
ok i know where i made a mistake. I really need online calculator!

thank you!
 
  • #10
Sorry abut that, I was off to watch a football game. As you've no doubt determined, your value for A in the partial fraction decomposition of the expression was incorrect. Both values A and B should have been equal to 3/5.

You can find decent Laplace transform tables on the web. Google "Laplace Transform".
 

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