Nodal Analysis using Complex Numbers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around using nodal analysis with complex numbers to determine voltages at specific nodes in an electrical circuit. Participants explore the application of Kirchhoff's laws and the challenges posed by complex impedances in the analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) seeks assistance with nodal analysis, specifically in handling complex numbers and rearranging algebraic equations.
  • One participant provides an example of a voltage divider circuit, detailing the calculation of voltage at a node using complex impedances, highlighting the need to consider phase information due to reactive components.
  • Another participant cautions against doing too much of the OP's work, emphasizing that the OP should engage more deeply with the problem.
  • The OP expresses confusion regarding the parallel resistor in the circuit and its impact on voltage calculations at another node.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for the OP to work through the problem independently, but there is no consensus on the specific challenges faced, particularly regarding the handling of complex numbers and the parallel resistor.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the OP's difficulties with algebraic manipulation or the specifics of applying nodal analysis to the circuit in question.

willow16v
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Hi,
I would be grateful of any advice on how to solve the problem below.

My aim is to find the voltages at nodes 2, 3, and 4, by means nodal analysis and thus creating simultaneous equations and solving them using matricies or matrix in order to prove that these theories work.

I understand kirchhoffs law etc however its the complex numbers that are throwing me when working out the equations at each node.
, e.g multiplying and dividing by j etc.

I have tried for weeks now and it seems i am beaten yet again on my failure of rearranging algebra.

Any help would be great.

A=60 B=15 C=153


See diagram Below.

Cheers Chris

nodalanalysis.jpg
 
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As an example, consider the isolated voltage divider consisting of E1=100, Z2=10, Z3=j20.

The voltage at point 2 would be

V_{2} = E_{1} \times \frac{Z_{3}}{(Z_{2}+Z_{3})}

Adding Z2 and Z3 is straight forward: Z2+Z3 = 10 + 20j. This is an ordinary complex number, with an amplitude and phase angle as usual. The fraction E1*Z3/(Z2+Z3) can be reduced by multiplying with the complex conjugate to a more familiar form:

V_{2} = 80 + 40j

Since Z3 is a complex (i.e reactive) component, the phase angle,\phi, at V2 is altered:

\phi = {tan}^{-1}(\frac{40}{80}) = 26.6 \:deg

There's nothing mystical going on here. It's just a series-parallel circuit, but -- due to the reactive components -- you need to carry with you the phase information, which means you need another dimension (the complex plane).
 
gnurf said:
As an example, consider the isolated voltage divider consisting of E1=100, Z2=10, Z3=j20.

The voltage at point 2 would be

V_{2} = E_{1} \times \frac{Z_{3}}{(Z_{2}+Z_{3})}

Adding Z2 and Z3 is straight forward: Z2+Z3 = 10 + 20j. This is an ordinary complex number, with an amplitude and phase angle as usual. The fraction E1*Z3/(Z2+Z3) can be reduced by multiplying with the complex conjugate to a more familiar form:

V_{2} = 80 + 40j

Since Z3 is a complex (i.e reactive) component, the phase angle,\phi, at V2 is altered:

\phi = {tan}^{-1}(\frac{40}{80}) = 26.6 \:deg

There's nothing mystical going on here. It's just a series-parallel circuit, but -- due to the reactive components -- you need to carry with you the phase information, which means you need another dimension (the complex plane).

Be careful not to do too much of the poster's work for them. This is homework (originally misplaced in EE where you saw it and replied), so the original poster (OP) needs to do the bulk of the work.

However, you left the rest of the problem for him, so I'm going to leave your description for him. Let's see if that's enough for him to follow your lead and finish the solution.
 
berkeman said:
Be careful not to do too much of the poster's work for them. This is homework (originally misplaced in EE where you saw it and replied), so the original poster (OP) needs to do the bulk of the work.

Right, I'll keep that in mind, thanks.
 
gnurf said:
Right, I'll keep that in mind, thanks.

Thanks. Good post BTW. Thanks for the help!
 
thankyou for your reply, i will try again using your ideas.

The circuit i understand, but its the parralel reistor Z1 that confuses me when working out the voltage at 3 using nodal analysis.

Many thanks
Chris
 

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