Mutual Inductance and coupled coils

1. Oct 13, 2007

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

For coupled coils in this arrangement (illustration attached), show

$$L_{eq} = \frac{L_1 L_2 - M^2}{L_1 + L_2 - 2M}$$

2. Relevant equations

KVL (mesh analysis)

3. The attempt at a solution

As you can see, I get to a final answer - which is not exactly the same; there's a subtle difference! Please help me find the mistake. I guess my mesh equations are not correct, because the rest of the process is straight-forward. By the way, the meshes are in the same figure (attached).

MESH 1:

$$-V + (I_1 - I_2) j\omega L_1 + j\omega M I_2 = 0$$

$$j\omega L_1 I_1 + (j\omega M - j\omega L_1) I_2 = V$$

MESH 2:

$$j\omega L_2 I_2 - (I_2 - I_1) j\omega M - (I_2 - I_1)j\omega L_1 + I_2 j\omega M = 0$$

$$(j\omega M + j\omega L_1) I_1 + (j\omega L_2 - j\omega L_1) I_2 = 0$$

So, there are 2 equations and 2 unknowns:

$$\underbrace{\begin{bmatrix} \displaystyle j\omega L_1 & (j\omega M - j\omega L_1) \\ \displaystyle (j\omega M + j\omega L_1) & (j\omega L_2 - j\omega L_1)\end{bmatrix}}_{\displaystyle A} \underbrace{\begin{bmatrix} \displaystyle I_1 \\ I_2 \end{bmatrix}}_{\displaystyle X} = \underbrace{\begin{bmatrix} \displaystyle V \\ 0 \end{bmatrix}}_{\displaystyle B}$$

I get

$$X = A^{-1} B = \begin{bmatrix} \displaystyle \frac{(L_1 - L_2)V}{(L_1 \cdot L_2 - M^2)\omega} j\phantom{\Bigg(} \\ \displaystyle \frac{(L_1 +M)V}{(L_1 \cdot L_2 - M^2)\omega} j \end{bmatrix}$$

which means

$$I_1 = \frac{(L_1 - L_2)V}{(L_1 \cdot L_2 - M^2)\omega} j$$

But, $$Z = V/I$$ and $$L_{eq} = Z_{eq}/(j\omega)$$. Thus, it follows.

$$L_{eq} = \frac{L_1 L_2 - M^2}{L_2 - L_1}$$

Any help is highly appreciated

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Last edited: Oct 13, 2007
2. Oct 13, 2007

huckmank

I can't see your attachment as it isn't approved yet, but I think your second mesh is a bit off. I think your polarity is backwards on $$(I_2-I_1)j\omega L_1$$, which would also change the polarity of your voltage on the corresponding mutual inductance. Try switching those and I think you should get the correct answer. You should have $$-2j\omega MI_2$$ in your second mesh equation.

Keep in mind I can't see the circuit yet, but I'm fairly sure it's two inductors in parallel with dots at the top. Sorry if I assumed wrong.

3. Oct 14, 2007

Yes, if

$$j\omega L_2 I_2 - (I_2 - I_1) j\omega M + (I_2 - I_1)j\omega L_1 - I_2 j\omega M = 0$$

then

$$(j\omega M - j\omega L_1) I_1 + (j\omega L_1 + j\omega L_2 - 2j\omega M) I_2 = 0$$

$$L_{eq} = \frac{L_1 L_2 - M^2}{L_1 + L_2 - 2M}$$

But there is something that does not make sense. As you said, I do have two inductors in parallel with dots at the top, but the sign convention does not seem to be consistent.

Inductor L_2 is on the right, and L_1 is on the left; this is the second mesh. I assigned a clockwise current I_2 there. For L_2, it appears that you're allowing a positive sign when current enters the dotted side:

$$j\omega L_2 I_2 - (I_2 - I_1) j\omega M$$

The converse is suggested for L_1, with (+) for non-dotted and (-) for dotted.

$$+ (I_2 - I_1)j\omega L_1 - I_2 j\omega M$$

4. Oct 14, 2007

huckmank

Well, on the left we have the current $$(I_2-I_1)$$ leaving the dot. The dot convention states that if this is the case, we place a - at the opposite dot for the mutual inductance. On the right, we have the current $$I_2$$entering the dot. The dot convention states that if this is the case we place a + at the opposite dot. So, using passive sign convention, for both inductors we have + facing into the current and for both mutual inductances we have - facing into the current.

So our equation should be $$+(I_2-I_1)j\omega L_1-I_2j\omega M+I_2j\omega L_2-(I_2-I_1)j\omega M=0$$

I guess to answer your question succinctly, the reason the left dot is positive, is because $$I_2$$ is entering the right dot. And the reason the right dot is negative is because the current $$(I_2-I_1)$$ is leaving the left dot.

I hope this wasn't too convoluted an explanation.

5. Oct 14, 2007