Solving Critical Damping Circuit: Find R, i, di/dt, v_C(t)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a critical damping circuit problem involving a resistor, capacitor, and inductor. The resistor value R was determined to be 1250 Ω for critical damping, with the initial capacitor voltage set at 15 V and the initial inductor current at 6 mA. The current i immediately after the switch is closed is confirmed to be 6.00 mA. However, the user struggles with calculating di/dt and v_C(t) for t≥0, indicating confusion over the correct application of the general solution for the second-order differential equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of critical damping in RLC circuits
  • Familiarity with second-order differential equations
  • Knowledge of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Ability to apply boundary conditions in circuit analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the damping ratio and its implications in RLC circuits
  • Learn how to apply the continuity principle in circuit analysis
  • Study the method for solving second-order differential equations in electrical circuits
  • Investigate the relationship between current, voltage, and capacitance in capacitor circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in analyzing RLC circuits and critical damping scenarios.

zealeth
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



In the circuit in the following figure, the resistor is adjusted for critical damping. The initial capacitor voltage is 15 V, and the initial inductor current is 6 mA.

Figure_P08.44.jpg


Find the numerical value of R.

Find the numerical values of i immediately after the switch is closed.

Find the numerical values of di/dt immediately after the switch is closed.

Find v_C(t) for t≥0.

Homework Equations



x_C(t) = K_1 e^(s_1*t)+K_2 * t * e^(s_1*t)
(General solution to 2nd order differential equation)
damping ratio = \zeta = \alpha/\omega_0
\alpha = R/(2L), \omega_0 = 1/\sqrt{LC}
s_1,2 = -\alpha +/- (\alpha2-\omega_02)^(1/2)
KVL

The Attempt at a Solution



Find the numerical value of R.

Critical damping, so zeta = 1. Using the equation for damping ratio, I solved for R to be 1250 Ω (correct answer).

Find the numerical values of i immediately after the switch is closed.

Once the switch is closed, I found i to be 6.00 mA due to the continuity principle i_C(0-) = i_C(0+) (correct answer).

Find the numerical values of di/dt immediately after the switch is closed.

Here is where I'm having trouble. I started by using the general solution and evaluating at t=0 to find K_1 = 6 mA.

s_1 = 0, s_2 = -10000

So I now have:

i(t) = 0.006 + K_2 * t * e^(-10000*t)

EDIT: Just realized it's s_1 in the exponent of both terms, however I'm still not getting the correct answer. Is it possible I have the values for s_1 and s_2 mixed up? Assuming I have them right, the equation should be:

i(t) = 0.006 + K_2*t

Obviously I need to solve for K_2 here to be able to differentiate the equation and find di(0)/dt, but I'm not sure how I would go about doing that. I can't plug in t=0 because that would remove K_2 from the equation, and I don't know any other boundary conditions that I could make use of.

Find v_C(t) for t≥0. **where t is in milliseconds**

Currently working on this using a similar approach to above.

EDIT: Not getting this one either. I started with v_C(0) = 15V, which was given in the problem. I used that boundary condition in the homogeneous equation to solve for K1 = 15.

V_C(t) = 15*e^(0t) + K_2*t*e^(0t)

Now to solve for K_2, I needed dv_C(0)/dt which I calculated using i_C(0) = C * dv_C(0)/dt and got 18750. Differentiating the homogeneous equation and evaluating at t=0, I got:

0*K_1+K_2=18750

Therefore K_2 should = 18750. I'm not sure if I need to convert the units since t is in milliseconds, but the equation I got was:

15+18750*t, which is obviously incorrect.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi zealeth. So the circuit you've shown is not representative of the circuit in use here, because what you show does not indicate how the inductor can have an initial non-zero current?

Do you happen to know the correct answer for ##di/dt## at ##t=0^+## ?
 
The circuit I've shown is what was given with the problem statement. And no, I do not know what di/dt is at t=0+.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
827
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K