RC Circuit + Dependent Voltage Source

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing an RC circuit with a dependent voltage source, focusing on the behavior of the inductor current before and after a switch is opened. Participants explore the application of mesh analysis and the assumptions regarding the inductor's behavior during the transition.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a solution for the inductor current, iL(t), using the form iL(t) = K1 + K2*e^(-t/tau), where K1 and K2 are defined based on initial and final conditions.
  • Another participant calculates iL(0-) by replacing the inductor with a short circuit and applying mesh analysis, arriving at a value of 32/14 amps for iL(0-).
  • There is a suggestion that just after the switch is opened, the inductor behaves like a current source, as the current through an inductor cannot change instantaneously.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the calculations for the currents through the resistors, questioning how different values can coexist.
  • Another participant asserts that iL(0^-) equals iL(0^+) and states that the previous calculations are valid for iL(infinity).
  • A later reply indicates that the participant has found the answer, but does not elaborate on the resolution of the previous uncertainties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations of the inductor current and the behavior of the circuit components. There is no clear consensus on the correct values or methods, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the calculations and assumptions made.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on assumptions about the circuit configuration and the behavior of the inductor, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes various interpretations of the circuit analysis and the implications of the switch's state.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and practitioners interested in circuit analysis, particularly those dealing with RC circuits and dependent sources, may find the exploration of different approaches and reasoning valuable.

DefaultName
Messages
179
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/7747/picture2mg7.png

Homework Equations



iL(t) = current through inductor

Using The Step by Step Method:

Assume the solution iL(t) = K1 + K2*e^(-t/tau)
where K1 = iL(infinity) and K2 = iL(0+) - iL(infinity)

so, Assume the solution has the form:

iL(t) = iL(infinity) + [iL(0+) - iL(infinity]*e^(-t/tau)

Now, what I did was I calculated iL(0-) first... I replaced the inductor with a short circuit because we've assumed the SW has been held for a while.

So, we know that V1(t) = 6 V... I applied MESH ANALYSIS to the middle loop and to the right loop (both going clockwise) to find iL(0-).

Middle_Loop = 2A
Right_Loop = 2( iL(0-) - 2 ) + 12*iL(0-) = 30V... I get iL(0-) = 32/14 amps going CW

Is that right? If so, isn't it safe to assume that just after the switch is opened, for that one instant in time, the inductor will act like a current source since the current through an inductor CANNOT change instanteously.

So, I believe that you have to rewrite the circuit with the switch open and put a temporary current source in place of the inductor. After that, what do I do though? That's where I'm lost.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
DefaultName said:

Homework Statement



http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/7747/picture2mg7.png

Homework Equations



iL(t) = current through inductor

Using The Step by Step Method:

Assume the solution iL(t) = K1 + K2*e^(-t/tau)
where K1 = iL(infinity) and K2 = iL(0+) - iL(infinity)

so, Assume the solution has the form:

iL(t) = iL(infinity) + [iL(0+) - iL(infinity]*e^(-t/tau)

Now, what I did was I calculated iL(0-) first... I replaced the inductor with a short circuit because we've assumed the SW has been held for a while.

So, we know that V1(t) = 6 V... I applied MESH ANALYSIS to the middle loop and to the right loop (both going clockwise) to find iL(0-).

Middle_Loop = 2A
Right_Loop = 2( iL(0-) - 2 ) + 12*iL(0-) = 30V... I get iL(0-) = 32/14 amps going CW

Is that right? If so, isn't it safe to assume that just after the switch is opened, for that one instant in time, the inductor will act like a current source since the current through an inductor CANNOT change instanteously.

So, I believe that you have to rewrite the circuit with the switch open and put a temporary current source in place of the inductor. After that, what do I do though? That's where I'm lost.

The voltage on the 2 ohm resistor is V1. So, the voltage on the 12 ohm resistor is V1 + 5 V1 = 6 V1.
The current through this resistor is 6V1/12 = 0.5 V1.
The current through the 2 ohm resistor is V1/2 = 0.5 V1.
The sum of the 2 currents is 2 A. So, [tex]i_L(0^-) = 1 A[/tex]
For T >0 there are 2 sources: the independent currnt source 2A and the controlled voltage source 5V1. The current [tex]i_L(0^+) = i_L(0^-) =1 A[/tex]is only an initial condition and is not taken in consideration in forming the differential equation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
But for the middle 2k resistor, I get 3Amps. and for the iL, I get 6V1/12 = 3 amps... how does this make sense?
 
DefaultName said:
But for the middle 2k resistor, I get 3Amps. and for the iL, I get 6V1/12 = 3 amps... how does this make sense?
It makes sense when the switch is closed.
[tex]i_L(0^-) = i_L(0^+) = 6A[/tex].
The calculation I made before is valid for [tex]i_L(infinity)[/tex]
 
I got the ans, thx.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
12K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K