Solving a circuit using laplace transform

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a circuit using the Laplace transform, specifically focusing on finding the voltage Va(s) across a component in the circuit. Participants explore the implications of different capacitor values and the correct formulation of equations in the s-domain.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an initial equation for Va(s) based on the node method but questions its correctness due to not accounting for capacitor C1.
  • Another participant argues that the initial equation is incorrect, emphasizing that the response of the circuit depends on the size of C1, which must be included in the solution.
  • There is a suggestion to write the impedance of elements in the s-domain and treat them like resistors for a more straightforward solution.
  • A participant proposes labeling a new node between C1 and R1 to facilitate writing KCL equations and suggests ignoring Vo initially.
  • Another participant points out that the initial voltage on C1 should be Vo and that R1 should also be included in the equations for V1(s).
  • Confusion arises regarding the initial conditions, particularly whether Va(0) can be assumed to be 0, which is later confirmed by another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the initial equation and the treatment of initial conditions. While some agree on the necessity of including Vo and R1 in the equations, there is no consensus on the initial assumptions regarding Va(0) and the overall approach to solving the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their understanding of the implications of capacitor values and the treatment of initial conditions in the context of the Laplace transform. There are unresolved questions about the correct formulation of equations in the s-domain.

magnifik
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For the circuit below, find the Va(s)
2vj7doz.png


What I have done so far:
I attempted to solve using the node method when the switch is closed (t > 0)
(va - v0)/R1 + C2dva/dt + va/R2 = 0

After a series of calculations I got
Va(s) = (V0/C2R1)*(1/s+(1/C2R1) + (1/C2R2))

What I am unsure of is if my first equation is correct. I did not account for C1; I simply used the fact that the voltage across it was v0.
 
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It's not correct. Consider how the circuit responds if C1 is very large so the voltage across it doesn't change very quickly. What if C1 is very small so even a small current can cause its voltage to change quickly? Obviously, the response of the system will have to depend on how big C1, so that quantity must appear in your solution.

Have you learned about writing the impedance of elements in the s-domain and then treating everything like a resistor? That would be the most straightforward way to solve the problem.
 
vela said:
It's not correct. Consider how the circuit responds if C1 is very large so the voltage across it doesn't change very quickly. What if C1 is very small so even a small current can cause its voltage to change quickly? Obviously, the response of the system will have to depend on how big C1, so that quantity must appear in your solution.

Have you learned about writing the impedance of elements in the s-domain and then treating everything like a resistor? That would be the most straightforward way to solve the problem.

I haven't learned about that.
So my first equation isn't correct at all? Or can I also have a separate equation, C1dv0/dt = 0 and combine the two equations in the end? I haven't tried this method yet so I'm not sure if it makes any sense. Thanks for the help.
 
Your first equation is correct, but when you went to the s-domain, I think you assumed V0 is a constant, which it isn't. That's how the dependence on C1 enters in.
 
At the risk of seeming to cause more work, label a new node between C1 and R1. Let's say that the voltage there is V1. Now you can write a KCL equation for each node. Ignore Vo to begin with; when you take the Laplace transforms of the equations you'll soon see where to plug it in!
 
gneill said:
At the risk of seeming to cause more work, label a new node between C1 and R1. Let's say that the voltage there is V1. Now you can write a KCL equation for each node. Ignore Vo to begin with; when you take the Laplace transforms of the equations you'll soon see where to plug it in!

So to solve for V1 I did the following:
C1(dv1/dt) + (v1 - va)/R1 = 0
which turns into
C1[sV1(s) - v1(0-)] + (V1(s) - Va(s))/R1 = 0
I solved for V1 and got
Va(s)/(C1s + 1)

I believe the next step would be that I plug this in for V0 in my original equation.
 
V1(0) should be the initial voltage on C1 (that is, Vo). The result of solving this equation for V1(s) should also include R1 in its makeup. What happened to Vo and R1?

When you have this sorted out, yes, plug the expression for V1(s) into your other equation so that you can solve for Va(s). Then it's inverse Laplace time!
 
gneill said:
V1(0) should be the initial voltage on C1 (that is, Vo). The result of solving this equation for V1(s) should also include R1 in its makeup. What happened to Vo and R1?

When you have this sorted out, yes, plug the expression for V1(s) into your other equation so that you can solve for Va(s). Then it's inverse Laplace time!

Ah yes, I made a typo. I actually got
V1(s) = Va(s)/(C1R1s + 1)
but when I plug in 0 for s, I get V1(0) = Va(0) which makes no sense to me unless you were taking about v1(0-), in which case it is 0 since the voltage is 0 initially
 
magnifik said:
Ah yes, I made a typo. I actually got
V1(s) = Va(s)/(C1R1s + 1)
but when I plug in 0 for s, I get V1(0) = Va(0) which makes no sense to me unless you were taking about v1(0-), in which case it is 0 since the voltage is 0 initially

The capacitor is initially charged to voltage Vo, according to your circuit diagram.
 
  • #10
gneill said:
The capacitor is initially charged to voltage Vo, according to your circuit diagram.

Oh, I see what you're saying...I think. So V0 should be in my equation for V1(s)? I initially thought the capacitor C1 had a voltage of 0, which is why I was confused.
 
  • #11
magnifik said:
Oh, I see what you're saying...I think. So V0 should be in my equation for V1(s)? I initially thought the capacitor C1 had a voltage of 0, which is why I was confused.

Yes, I think you have it now! The diagram showed Vo on the capacitor. That value should be inserted for V1(0) in your expressions.
 
  • #12
Ok, I think I finally got the answer. It's a bit messy though. I just have one last question regarding this problem: am I correct in assuming that Va(0) = 0?
 
  • #13
magnifik said:
Ok, I think I finally got the answer. It's a bit messy though. I just have one last question regarding this problem: am I correct in assuming that Va(0) = 0?

You are indeed correct! While the switch is open before t=0, capacitor C2 will be discharged via R2.
 
  • #14
Thank you for all the help! Much appreciated!
 

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