LC circuit (Differential Equation)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation related to an LC circuit, where an inductor and capacitor are connected in series to a power source. Participants explore the voltage across the capacitor given specific conditions and initial values, focusing on the mathematical formulation and potential approaches to the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the problem, attempting to use the relationships between current and voltage for the inductor and capacitor.
  • Another participant questions whether the problem considers steady state or transient conditions, suggesting that the nature of the voltages and currents may affect the solution.
  • A later reply clarifies that there are no transients in the circuit due to the presence of a pure inductor and capacitor, indicating that the current consists of two sinusoids.
  • Participants discuss the importance of initial conditions for solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) and note that the value of the capacitor voltage cannot be assigned arbitrarily.
  • There is a suggestion to convert the integro-differential equation into a second-order ODE for a conventional solution approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the circuit's conditions (steady state vs. transient) and the implications for the solution. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the problem statement or the approach to solving it.

Contextual Notes

The problem statement may be misleading regarding the assignment of the capacitor voltage at a specific time, and the initial conditions for the current and its derivative are emphasized as critical for solving the ODE.

rakhil11
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Homework Statement


An inductor with value L and a capacitor with value C are connected in series to a power source. At time t, the voltage of the power source (i.e. the voltage across both the inductor and capacitor) is given by ## v(t)=Asin(\frac{2t}{\sqrt{LC}}) ##. If the voltage across the capacitor at time 0 is 0 and at time ##\frac{\pi \sqrt{LC}}{2}## is B, what is the voltage u(t) across the capacitor?

Homework Equations


##I = \frac{dV}{dt}C##
##V = \frac{dI}{dt}L##

The Attempt at a Solution


Honestly, I'm pretty stuck. I've tried plugging the expression for current from the capacitor into the inductor equation, and then ## v(t)=Asin(\frac{2t}{\sqrt{LC}}) = \frac{dI}{dt}L+\frac{1}{C} \int_{t_0}^{t} I dt##, but neither approach got me very far. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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rakhil11 said:
At time t, the voltage of the power source (i.e. the voltage across both the inductor and capacitor) is given by ## v(t)=Asin(\frac{2t}{\sqrt{LC}}) ##. If the voltage across the capacitor at time 0 is 0 and at time ##\frac{\pi \sqrt{LC}}{2}## is B ...
Hi rakhil11. :welcome:

From exercises similar to this that you have worked on in class, is it concerned with just steady state conditions, or is it including transient conditions, too? That is, are voltages and currents each a pure sinusoid, or is each a mixture of sinusoids?

Does the textbook give the answer?
 
rakhil11 said:

Homework Statement


An inductor with value L and a capacitor with value C are connected in series to a power source. At time t, the voltage of the power source (i.e. the voltage across both the inductor and capacitor) is given by ## v(t)=Asin(\frac{2t}{\sqrt{LC}}) ##. If the voltage across the capacitor at time 0 is 0 and at time ##\frac{\pi \sqrt{LC}}{2}## is B, what is the voltage u(t) across the capacitor?

Homework Equations


##I = \frac{dV}{dt}C##
##V = \frac{dI}{dt}L##

The Attempt at a Solution


Honestly, I'm pretty stuck. I've tried plugging the expression for current from the capacitor into the inductor equation, and then ## v(t)=Asin(\frac{2t}{\sqrt{LC}}) = \frac{dI}{dt}L+\frac{1}{C} \int_{t_0}^{t} I dt##, but neither approach got me very far. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
@nascent: there are no transients in this circuit as it comprises a pure inductor and a pure capacitor. No matter when the voltage source was applied, at t = 0 or t → -∞, the current will always comprise two sinusoids, one at ω = 1/√(LC), the other at ω = 2/√(LC).

@rakhil11: you're almost OK with your last equation, but given the problem's initial condition, what is t0?
Hint: change your integro-differential equation into a second-order ODE and solve conventionally for I(t) and then VC(t). You will need your initial conditions on I and dI/dt of course.

The problem statement is somewhat misleading: VC = B cannot be assigned arbitrarily. When you solve the ODE the value of VC is determined uniquely by setting t = π√(LC)/2.
 
rude man said:
@nascent: there are no transients in this circuit as it comprises a pure inductor and a pure capacitor.
This being an engineering question, it's possible that the instructor intends the circuit's resistance be considered negligible (i.e., as good as zero) rather than precisely zero. I await clarification from OP.
 

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