What assumption leads to dB/dt=0 in the lumped element model?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the assumptions leading to the condition dB/dt=0 in the lumped element model, particularly in the context of AC circuit analysis. Participants explore the implications of these assumptions on the behavior of circuits with sinusoidal voltage variations and the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the assumption of zero change in magnetic flux outside a conductor is necessary for dB/dt=0, questioning whether this is due to the small surface area of the circuit.
  • Others argue that if the assumptions of the lumped element model are not satisfied, then its application may not be appropriate, emphasizing that no model can perfectly represent reality.
  • One participant mentions that following Kirchhoff's laws leads to the conclusion that dq/dt=0 at connection points, implying no change in magnetic field, hence dB/dt=0.
  • Another participant suggests that the average dB/dt over one sinusoidal cycle will be zero, raising questions about the validity of this assumption in the presence of time-varying electric fields.
  • Some express concern about the neglect of magnetic flux outside conductors and the implications of this simplification on the validity of the lumped element model.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the assumptions leading to dB/dt=0, with multiple competing views and ongoing debate regarding the validity and implications of these assumptions in the context of AC circuit analysis.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the assumptions made in the lumped element model and the potential neglect of physical dimensions and paths in electromagnetic modeling, which may not be addressed in the discussion.

Ahmad Kishki
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First assumption: the change of magnetic flux in time outside a conductor is zero.

Last semester in circuit analysis we treated circuits with sinusoidal voltage variation as steady state circuits while using the phasor notation. But now that i know electrodynamics i begin to doubt my concepts that were built in circuit analysis. For sinusoidal variation of voltage the electric field through the conductor will also vary sinusoidally which means that there will be a changing magnetic field enclosed by the circuit. What assumption here is needed to lead to the assumption that the change in magnetic flux outside a conductor is zero? Is it that the surface area of the circuit is too small? But that is not satisfactory...

Second assumption: the change of charge in time inside conducting elements is zero.

This means that displacement current is zero, right?

Source: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumped_element_model
 
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Ahmad Kishki said:
But that is not satisfactory...
If the assumptions made in your application are “not satisfied” sufficiently then you should not be using a lumped element model.

No simple model can ever be an exact representation of the reality it attempts to model. Assumptions are made to simplify the model to the point where it can be solved numerically in a reasonable time. The “lumped element model” has worked sufficiently well in most situations over the last 100 years. Without those assumptions, the physical dimensions of the components and the path taken by the connecting wires would need to be specified in an EM model. That would be most inconvenient when not essential.
 
Baluncore said:
If the assumptions made in your application are “not satisfied” sufficiently then you should not be using a lumped element model.

No simple model can ever be an exact representation of the reality it attempts to model. Assumptions are made to simplify the model to the point where it can be solved numerically in a reasonable time. The “lumped element model” has worked sufficiently well in most situations over the last 100 years. Without those assumptions, the physical dimensions of the components and the path taken by the connecting wires would need to be specified in an EM model. That would be most inconvenient when not essential.

You misunderstood me.. I am asking for the basis of these two assumptions in field theory...
 
In my opinion, if you follow Kirchhoff laws for lumped circuit then Sum(Ii)=0 in a connection point that means [ in the connection point] i [result]= dq/dt =0.
The second law Sum(Vi)=0 in a loop that means no magnetic field change which could produce an EMF in the loop. dB/dt=0.
 
Babadag said:
In my opinion, if you follow Kirchhoff laws for lumped circuit then Sum(Ii)=0 in a connection point that means [ in the connection point] i [result]= dq/dt =0.
The second law Sum(Vi)=0 in a loop that means no magnetic field change which could produce an EMF in the loop. dB/dt=0.

Yes i get this, but what assumption is required to say that dB/dt=0? I mean, a time changing electric field will lead to a time changing magnetic field... So how can this assumption hold when the voltage is sinusoidal wrt time?
 
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Ahmad Kishki said:
what assumption is required to say that dB/dt=0
The average dB/dt over one sinusoidal cycle will be zero.
 
Baluncore said:
The average dB/dt over one sinusoidal cycle will be zero.

Hmmm...
 
AC circuit analysis applies to integral numbers of whole cycles, average quantities, and ignoring non-sinusoidal startup transients.

You are perfectly free to skip AC analysis, and to analyze the circuits transiently using differential equations. That is more general and more universal, but a whole lot more work. Where the simplifications of AC analysis are justified, they save a lot of time and effort.
 
Ahmad Kishki said:
Yes i get this, but what assumption is required to say that dB/dt=0? I mean, a time changing electric field will lead to a time changing magnetic field... So how can this assumption hold when the voltage is sinusoidal wrt time?
You are right, Ahmad. But this is the simplification of the Kirchhoff laws. He neglected the magnetic flux outside the conductors. Actually, it is an EMF around the loop due to fact dB/dt>0.It is one of the self-imposed constraints by the Lumped Matter Discipline.
 
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