Chapter 16

Circuit Transients
INTRODUCTION
When a circuit is switched from one condition to another either by a change in the
applied voltage or a change in one of the circuit elements, there
is a transitional period
during which the branch currents and voltage drops change from their
former values to
new ones. After this transition interval called the transient, the circuit is said to
be in
the steady state.

The application of KirchhofFs voltage law to a circuit containing energy

storage
elements results in a differential equation which is solved by any
of several available
methods. This solution consists of two parts, the complementary
function and the
particular solution. For equations in circuit analysis the
complementary function always
goes to zero in a relatively short time and is the transient part of
the solution. The
particular solution is the steady state response which was the
subject of our attention
in the previous chapters. The methods by which the particular solution is obtained in
this chapter are generally long and involved and never
as direct as the methods used
previously. However, through the application of these methods we obtain the physical
meaning of the steady state response as part of the complete response.

Direct Current Transients

RL TRANSIENT
The series RL circuit shown
stant voltage V applied when the
in Fig. 16-1 has a con-
switch is closed. Kirch-
hofFs voltage law results in the following differential
X
equation +
VZ
Bi + L% = V (1)
-

Rearranging and using operator notation where D = d/dt,

D+ L)
i
= L <*) Fig. 16-1

Equation (2) is a first order, linear differential equation of the type

dy
jfc-
ay = % or (D-a)y = % (3)

where D= d/dx, a is a constant, and %

may be a function of x but not of y. The complete
solution of (8), consisting of the complementary function and the particular solution, is

V = Vc + Vp = ce™ + e™ J e~ ax %dx (4)

where c is an arbitrary constant determined by known initial conditions. By the

(4),
solution of (2) is

% = Ce -(R/Dt + e -(R/L)t C e (R/LH npj fa _ C g-(R/L)t + YL

R (5)

242
CHAP. CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 243
16]

we = and substitute the initial current io for i. This

To determine e, set t in (5)
initial current is the current just after the switch is closed. The inductance has the
voltage-current relationships v = L-± and i = v dt. The second expression
^J
assures us that whatever the applied voltage, the current through an inductor must be
a
continuous function. Then since the current was zero at t = 0-, it must also be zero at

t = 0+. Substituting in (5) we obtain

io = = c(l) + V/R or c = -V/R (6)

Substituting this value of c in (5) results in

=
CR/Ut
+ -p(l _ o-lRfW
= __M
~R e 7> ) (7)

This type of equation is known as an exponential

rise, as shown in Fig. 16-2. The plot shows the

transition period during which the current adjusts
from its initial value of zero to the final value V/R, Ffe- 16 " 2

the steady state.

The time constant TC of a function such as (7) is the time at which the exponent of e
is unity. Thus for the RL transient the time constant TC = L/R seconds. At 1TC
the quantity within the parentheses in (7) has the value (1 - e~ ) - (1 - .368) = .632.
l

At this time the current is 63.2% of its final value. Similarly at 2TC, (1 - e~ ) =
2

(1 - .135) = .865 and the current is 86.5% of its final value. After 5TC the transient
is generally regarded as terminated. For convenience, the time constant is the unit used
to plot the current of equation (7).

As another example, for the exponential decay

shown in Fig. 16-3 with the following equation A

f(t) = Ae~ at {8)

the time constant again the time at which the

is

exponent on i.e. TC = l/«.

e is unity, The value at
1TC is e _1 = .368 and the function has decayed to
36.8% of its initial value A. Then at 2 TC, e~ 2 = .135
and the function is 13.5% of A. After 5TC the Fig. 16-3

transient is considered terminated.

The transient voltages across the elements of the RL circuit are obtained from the
current. Accordingly, the voltage across the resistor is

vR = Ri = 7(1 - e" (R/L)t) (9)

and the voltage across the inductance is

Vr = di
L di = 4 1^ 1 -*-"""'» =

resistor voltage transient is an exponential

The
rise with the same time constant as the current,
while the voltage across the inductance is an ex-
ponential decay but with the same time constant.
The sum of v R and v L satisfies Kirchhoff's law
throughout the transient period. See Fig. 16-4.

VR + VL = V{l-e (R/L)t
) + Ve -(.R/Dt (11) Fig. 16-4
244 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

The instantaneous power in any circuit element is given by the product of the voltage
and the current. Thus the power in the resistor is

- r (B/wt V V2
Pr = vJ = V(l ^-(1 - e~ CR/Ln ) = tt (1 - 2e- (R/L)t + e~ 2iR/Ln)
)
R (12)

and the power in the inductance is

= V -
~ ye~ (R/L)t ^-(l =
V 2
L-(g-(«/W* _
Pl V Ll e -(R/L)t) g-2(B/tM)
(13)

Then the total power is

= V
2

Pt = PR + Pi -£-(l-e- (R/L)t ) (U)

The three power functions are shown in Fig. 16-5 where p R and p T have the steady
state valueV2/R or PR where / is the steady state current. The transient power in the
inductance has initial and final values of zero and is the power which accounts for the
energy stored in the magnetic field of the coil. To show this we integrate p from zero
L
to infinity.

W - f£< e -(R/LH_ e -2(R/L)t\' dt _ ^ +

R . Re 2R
e
Jo

= \V 2
(L\ 1
= LPjoules
2R-{R 2 (15)

P
V*
H
Pt^
^Pr
L vL

TC

Fig. 16-5 Fig. 16-6

The RL
circuit shown in Fig. 16-6 contains an initial current i = V/R. At t = the
switch turned to position 2 which removes the source and at the same time puts a short
is
circuit across the series RL branch. The application of KirchhofFs voltage law to the
source-free circuit results in the equation

Lf t
+ Ri = or D + ^)i = (16)

whose solution is i
—
= ^o-iR/Dt
ce (17)

At £ = 0, the initial current is i = V/R. Substituting in (17), c = V/R and the current
equation is
y
%
— _«-(R/L)t
= (18)
R
This exponential decay is shown in Fig. 16-7(a) below. The corresponding voltages
across the resistance and inductance are
di
Vr = Ri = Ve~ iR/L » and L (19)
at
as shown in Fig. 16-7(6) below. The sum v + v L satisfies Kirchhoff's law since the applied
voltage is zero with the switch in position 2.
V — 2(R/L)t
The instantaneous powers p„ = -^-e
2

V2 K
and pL = — -g-e-tt*/wt are shown in Fig. 16-7(c) below. If p is integrated from zero to
CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 245

infinity we energy released

find that the isexactly that which was stored in the magnetic
field during the previous transient, %LP. During the decay transient this energy is trans-
ferred to the resistor.

RC TRANSIENT
The application of KirchhofFs voltage law to the
series RC circuit shown in Fig. 16-8 results in the fol-
lowing differential equation

+ Ri = V
hf idt (20)

and after differentiating,

Fig. 16-8

£ + *s = ° or D+ m) i = (21)

The homogeneous equation consists of only the complementary function

solution to this
since the particular solution is zero. Thus
i = ce~ t/RC {22)

To determine the constant c we note that equation (20) at t = is Rio = V or i = V/R.

Now substituting the value of u into (22), we obtain c = V/R at t = 0. Then
i = Z e -t/Rc (23)

Equation (23) has the form of an exponential decay as shown in Fig. 16-9(a).

The corresponding transient voltages

vR = Ri = Ve-« RC and vc = ±fidt = V(l - e-« RC ) {**)
246 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

are shown in Fig. 16-9(6) above. The instantaneous powers

PR = *V — -^e~
R ~e
-2t/RC
ztlRC
V 2
—
and
an ^ r c^
v
p
— v. c^. — V2 (g-t/RC _
R
-2t/RC
(25)

are shown in Fig. 16-9(c) above.

The transient power p c with initial and final values of zero, accounts for the energy
,

which is stored in the electric field of the capacitor with a constant voltage V across the
terminals. The integration of p c from zero to infinity verifies this.

V2 _
= r R (
e -tlRC g-2t/RC) dt
\cv2 (26)

The series RC circuit shown in Fig. 16-10 has the

switch in position 1 for sufficient time to establish the
steady state and at t = the switch is moved to posi- 92 R
tion 2. With the switch at this position the equation for
the circuit is

hS idt + Ri = or (Z)+^)i = (27)

Fig. 16-10
The solution is i = ce t/RC (28)

To determine the constant c we set £ = in (28) and substitute the initial current io.
Since the capacitor is charged to a voltage V with the polarity shown in the diagram, the
initial current is opposite to i; hence io = -V/R. Then c — —V/R and the current is
V
1 " Re (29)

This decay transient is plotted in Fig. 16- 11 (a). The corresponding transient voltages
for the circuit elements,

= Ri = -y e -tiRc = Ve~ t/RC

Vr and vc = h$ idt (30)

are shown in Fig. 16-ll(b). Note that v R + vc = 0, satisfying KirchhofF s law since
there is no applied voltage while the switch is in position 2. The transient powers

pR = v Ri = 2t/RC and Pc = v cl = ~-j[ e

-2t/RC
(81)
R
are shown in Fig. 16-ll(c). There is no source to account for p R but it is apparent that
the energy stored in the capacitor is transferred to the resistor during this transient.
The integration of p c with the limits of zero and infinity resulting in —%CV2 is left to
the reader.

1 TC
CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 247

RC TRANSIENT CHARGE BASIS

In a series RC circuit it is convenient sometimes to know the equation representing
the transient charge q. Then, since current and charge are related by i = dq/dt, the
current, if needed, may be obtained by differentiation.

In Fig. 16-12 the capacitor is charged with polarity

on the plates as shown, since q has the same direction as
that of i in Fig. 16-8. The current basis equation R

hf idt + Ri = V (32)

is written on the charge basis by substituting dq/dt for i.

Thus
Fig. 16-12

Using the method outlined in deriving equation (5), the solution is

q = ce~ t/RC + CV
At t = 0, the initial charge on the capacitor is q = and

qo = o = c(l) + CV or c = -CV (35)

Substituting this value of c in (34), we obtain

q - CV(l-e~ t/RC )
(36)

The charge transient is an exponential rise to a final value of CV. Then if a decay circuit
such as that in Fig. 16-10 is analyzed on the charge basis, the result is a charge decay
from the value CV represented by the equation
q = CVe~ tlRC (37)

cv -

(a)
Fig. 16-13

The charge functions for buildup and decay are shown in Fig. 16-13(a), and the
corresponding current functions in Fig. 16-13(6). Since charge must be a continuous
function, q = CV
at t'(-) and *'(+) while i at *'(-) is zero and at f (+) has the value -V/R.

RLC TRANSIENT _
Theapplication of Kirchhoff's voltage law to the
series RLC circuit in Fig. 16-14 results in the following
integro-differential equation V
di 1 f % dt
Ri + L'di + _,_

cj
.

= V (38)

Fig. 16-14
Differentiating, we obtain
 ,

248 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

L
m + «f + t 7<
= or D2 + Z D+
Tc ]i
= (39)

This second order, linear differential equation

is of the homogeneous type with a particular
solution of zero.The complementary function can be one of three different types depend-
ing upon the relative magnitudes of R, L and C. The coefficients in the characteristic
equation D 2 + (R/L)D + 1/LC = are constants and the roots of the equation are

-R/L + V(R/L) 2 - 4/LC n = -R/L -

n
Dl = _ and D2
V(R/L) 2 - 4/LC
m
Letting « = -R/2L and p = ^(R/2Lf - 1/LC

Di = a +p and D2 = a -p (U)
The radicand of /3 can be positive, zero or negative and the solution is then overdamped,
damped or underdamped (oscillatory).
critically

Case 1. (R/2L) 2 > 1/LC. Roots Di and D 2 are real and unequal resulting in the over-
damped case. Then in factored form equation (39) is written

[D-(a + P)}[D-(a-p)]i = (**)

and the current is

" 0)t
i = cie ia+ ^ t + c 2 e (O( or i = e at (cie et + c 2 e -/3t ) (**)

Case 2. (R/2L) 2 = 1/LC. Roots Di and D 2 are equal and the solution is the critically
damped case. In factored form equation (39) becomes

(D-a)(D-a)i = (U)

The solution is i = e at (ci + c 2 t) (45)

Case 3. (R/2L) 2 < 1/LC. Roots Di and D 2 are complex conjugates and the solution is
underdamped or oscillatory. Defining p = ^/1/LC - (R/2L) 2 and a as before, the
factored form of the operator equation is

[D-(a + jp)) [D-(a- Jp)]i =

The solution is i = e at (ci cos pt + c 2 sin pt)

The current and since « = —R/2L the final value is

in all cases contains the factor e at
zero, assuring that the complementary function decays in a relatively short time. The
three cases are sketched in Fig. 16-15 when the initial value is zero and the initial slope is
positive.

(a) Casel (b) Case 2 (c) Case 3

Fig. 16-15
CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 249

Alternating Current Transients

RL SINUSOIDAL TRANSIENT
The RL circuit shown in Fig. 16-16 has a sinusoidal
voltage applied when the switch is closed. The voltage
function could be at any point in the period at the v = (~)f
instant of closing the switch, and therefore the phase vmax sin m + ^T
angle <£ can take on values from to 2?r rad/sec. Ap-
plication of Kirchhoff's voltage law results in the fol-
lg "
lowing equation

Ri + L^ = 7max sin (** + </>) or (0+*)* = %* sin («« + *) (U8)

The complementary function is ic = ce _(R/L)t and the particular solution is

_ - iR/ Ln C Y^L sin u t + d>)dt = Fmax -

{ e e cR/L)t , sin (at + «/» tan" 1 <oL/#)

The complete solution is

vmax
i = i +i = ^-(H/Dt 4. ainfo.t + ^-tan^aL/fl) (-40)

V# + 2
<o
2
L2
The inductance prevents any sudden change in the current and since before the switch
was closed the current was zero, it follows that i = 0. Then at = t 0,

= = Vm *x - tan- MR) = "7™* - tan" 1 MR)

t c(l) + , sin fa 1
and c sin (*

Substituting in (40), the current is

Fmax
— e -Ut/LH sin (<f>
— tan
-1
MR) + sin («,* + *- tan" 1 MR)
y/R + Jtf 2
VR + « L
2 2 2
{50 )
iR/LH
which has a value of zero in a relatively
The first part of (50) contains the factor e~
short time. The expression within the brackets is simply a rather involved constant.

The magnitude of this constant is dependent upon the time in the cycle at which the <j>

switch is closed. If - tan" MR)

1
= n* where
(<f>
n = 0,1,2,3, .. ., then the constant
is zero and the current goes directly into the steady state. And if (<£ - tan
-1
MR) =
(1 + 2n)7r/2, the transient will have the maximum possible amplitude.

The second part of (50) is the steady state current which lags the applied voltage by
tan~ MR.
l
This particular solution, obtained above by integration, can be found by the
method of undetermined coefficients. The method is applicable when the forcing function
is a sine, cosine or exponential function, since with these functions successive differentia-
tions repeat the same set of functions. To apply the method to equation (US) where the
right hand side is Vm ™ sin (<»t + <j>), we assume a particular current
i
p
= A cos (o>t + <j>) + B sin (U + <f>) (51)

where A and B are constants. Then the first derivative is

ip = -Ao> sin (o>t + <f>)

+ J?o) cos (U + <f>) (52)

Substituting these expressions for i

p
and ip in (U8), we obtain
{—Ata Sin (oit +<f>)
+ B<a COS (<at + «/>)}

R V
+ j;{Acos(U + <t>)
+ Bsm(o>t + <j>)} = -g 2 sin (<»t + -

<f>) (53)

Combining coefficients of like terms,

(-Ao + BRIL) sin («* + <f>)

+ (£<o + ARIL) cos (U + $) = -22 sin («* + $) (5U)
 250 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

Now equating coefficients of like terms results in two equations in A and B,

-Ao> + BR/L = Fm ax/L and Bm + ARIL = (55)

~
from which A = 2<dLFmax
R + 2L 2 <»
and B = RnRVm
2
**
+ * L2 2 {
l
r 6\
56 >

When these values for A and B are substituted into equation (51), the particular current is

max
or *p = , - sin (o>t + <£ - tan" 1 a>L/#) (5S)

which is the same as the particular solution obtained above by integration.

RC SINUSOIDAL TRANSIENT
The RC circuit shown in Fig. 16-17 has a sinusoidal
voltage applied at the time the switch is closed. The
application of Kirchhoffs voltage law to the circuit
V = <~>\
results in the following equation
^max Sin M+ <fi)

Ri + g \ idt = Vmax sin (<ot + <f>) (59)

Differentiating and using operator notation, we Fig- 16 " 17

obtain

D + ^c) i = f!i

7p cos (*>* + <£) (60)

(
The complementary function is ic = ce~ t/RC (61)

and the particular solution, obtained either by integration or undetermined coefficients, is

V ~l
sin + + tan 1/wCR)
^R2 +Zc)
{oit
<p = 2
<t> <**)

Then the complete solution is

Vmax
i = ce~ t/RC + - sin (U + <j> + tan" 1 1UCR) (63)

To determine the constant c, let t = in equation (59); then the initial current
= L sin ^' Substituting this into (63) and setting = 0, we obtain
*°
~W t

%^sin</, = c(l) + -—7™* S i n (^ + tan" 1 1UCR) M)

v ;
72
VR + 2
(1/o.C)
2

or c = ^ sin <£
-
yR +
y,nax

(1/wC/)
= sin (<j> + tan" 1 l/a>C#) (65)

Substitution of c from (55) into (63) results in the complete current

— V max K max
i = o-t/RC
e
L
-p— sin
^
.

</> = sin . /
(</> +,

tan -1
.
, „ ,

1UCR)
_, _-..

v^ + 2
(1/<oC) 2 -I

+ sin (<
°*
+ + tan_1 1UCR) {66)
V^ 2
+?i/"C) 2 *
The first term is the transient with the decay factor e~ URC The entire quantity within .

the brackets is simply a constant. The second term is the steady state current which
leads the applied voltage by tan -1 IUCR.
CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 251

RLC SINUSOIDAL TRANSIENT

The series RLC circuit shown in Fig. 16-18 has a
sinusoidal voltage applied when the switch is closed.

The resulting equation is

Ri + L-rr
di
+ £
1 C i dt =
J
Vmax sin (<ot + 4>) (67) Vmax
*> =
sin <«e
©
+ <t)T
t

Differentiating and using operator notation, we obtain

R r»
D™> +2 ,

j-D + Y^)i i
1 \«-
— —^—
(o^raax /1 „„
cos(a>t
/ + .\
+ <£)
i //?o\
(68)
Fig. 16-18

The particular obtained by the method of undetermined coefficients as

solution is

follows. First let ip = A cos (U + </>) + B sin (o>t + <f>). Then evaluate i p and and sub- C
stitute the results in equation (67). The values of A and B are then found by equating
coefficients of like terms as done before in the case of the RL sinusoidal transient. Ex-
pressing the result as a single sine function, the particular solution is

=
V# + (1/o.C - WL)
2
Fmax
= 2
ginf M *
V
+ <f>
+ tan-ii^^^)
# /
(M)

The complementary function is identical to that of the DC series RLC circuit examined
previously where the result was overdamped, critically damped or oscillatory, depending
upon R, L and C.

Case 1. (R/2L) 2 > 1/LC. The roots are real and unequal, resulting in the overdamped
case. Di = a + p and D 2 = a-p, where a = -R/2L and p = ^(R/2L) 2 - 1/LC.
The complete solution is

i = e^icte" + c 2 e-^) +
yi? 2 +
Fmax
(1/aC — wL) 2
SU1 („t
\
+ 4 + tan" 1 (
1/mC
R
~ ^ J
(70)

Case 2. (R/2L) 2 = 1/LC. The roots are real and equal, resulting in the critically
damped case and the complete current is

= v ™* -
i e at ( Cl + c 2 t) + sin
f
t + ^ + tan-i (IAqC *>L)\ ,

A/^
2
+ (1/oC - o>L)
2
V R )
(
K
'

Case 3. (R/2L) 2 < 1/LC. The roots are complex conjugates resulting in the oscillatory
case and the complete current is

i = e°*(c x cos pt + c 2 sin pt) +

y/t 2 +
V™ x
(1/oiC —
=
wL) 2
gin Lt +
V
<j> + tan" 1
(1/o)C ~ "^
R
(72)
where p = y/l/LC - (R/2L) 2
t

The particular solutions of equations (70), (71) and (72) are identical while the transient
current given by the complementary function each case. For example, in Case 3 differs in
the transient contains a set of sinusoidal functions of frequency p rad/sec, a frequency
which is in general different from o> of the particular solution. Consequently the appear-
ance of the current during the transient period is impossible to predict, often having a
very irregular shape. Once the decay factor brings the transient to zero, the current
then leads or lags the applied voltage depending upon the relative magnitudes of the
reactances l/o>C and o>L in tan -1 (1UC - o>L)/R.
252 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

Two Mesh Transients

The application of Kirchhoff's voltage law to the two-mesh network in Fig. 16-19 results
in the following set of simultaneous differential equations:

Rxix 4 U ~dt
+ R^ = V o^o-WW
fli

(73)
di2
Rxix 4 (Ri + R 2 )i2 4 U dt = V
Using operator notation and rearranging, we obtain
(D + RJU)ix 4- (RxlU)i2 = VIU
(RxlU)ix + (D + ^j^1 )** = VIU Fig. 16-19

~D 4- RxlU RJLi i\ VIU

or (U)
D 4f Rl 4
i?2
RxlU ,

VIU
U J
12

In order to obtain an equation for it independent of i2 , we use determinants and write

D + RxlU RxlU v/u RilU

+ = (75)
D + Rx R
ii
Rx + R%
RxlU
2
VIU D +
The determinant on the left is expanded and rearranged in order of descending powers
of D. In the expansion of the determinant on the right a term D(VIU) appears; but since
D= d/dt and VIU is a constant, this term is zero.

D2 _i_ (
RiLx 4- RzU 4 RxU \ j>. .
R1R2
= VR2IUU (76)
uu UU ix

The characteristic equation is of the form

0, but since in this case D + AD + B =
2

A — 4B >
2
values of circuit constants (except that neither
for all nor = 0) the U U
complementary function is of the form given in equation (43). Since the forcing function
is a constant, a particular solution is the constant which satisfies the equation

,RlR2
UU )i lp = VRJUU or ix P = VIRx (77)

Now with the same methods applied to %2, we obtain

D 4 RxlU RxlU D 4 RxlU VIU

%2 - (78)
D + Rx 4
R2
RxlU RxlU VIU
After expanding the two determinants, we obtain
RlLl + 2 + RiLz RlRi =
D +
[* 2 (t
( ? f
1
) D 4- \i2
LxL/2 / L'XLi2_

The characteristic equation is the same as that of equation (76), and consequently the
complementary functions are identical. However, the particular solution for i2 is zero
since the equation is of the homogeneous type.

Examination of thecircuit shows this to be perfectly reasonable, since in the steady

state Uappears as a short circuit across the R 2 branch thereby shunting current away U
from this branch. Then Rx is the only limiting impedance in the steady state and it
follows that the current i\ — VIRx as given above in equation (77).
CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 253

Solved Problems
16.1. A series RL circuit with R = 50 ohms and L - 10 h has a constant voltage V = 100 v
applied at t = by the closing of a switch. Find (a) the equations for i, v R and v L ,

(b) the current at t = .5 seconds and (c) the time at which v R = v L .

(a) The differential equation for the given circuit is

di
50i + 10^ = 100 or (D + 5)i = 10 (1)

and the complete solution is

i = ic + i
p
= ce~ 5t + 2 (2)

At t - 0, i = and = c(l) + 2 or c = -2. Then

i = 2(1 - e~ 5t ) (3)
shown in Fig. 16-20(a).

The corresponding voltages across the circuit elements

di
vR = Ri = 100(1 - e~ 5t ) and vL = L^ = 100e-« (4)

are shown in Fig. 16-20(6).

(a) (6)

Fig. 16-20

(6) Put t = .5 sec in (5) and obtain % = 2(1 - «-8<-«) = 2(1 - .082) = 1.836 amp.

(c) When v R = v L each must be 50 volts; and since the applied voltage is 100,
, we set either v R or
v L to 50 and solve for t. From (b), v L = 50 = 100e- 5t Then e~ 5t = .5 . or 5t = .693, and
* = .1386 sec.

16.2. Referring to Problem 16.1, find the equations for p R and p L and show that the
power in the inductance accounts for the steady state energy stored in the magnetic
field.

Using the current and the voltages obtained in Problem 16.1, the instantaneous powers are

Pr = v B.i = 100(1 -«-«) 2(1 - e-») = 200(1 - 2e7 5t + e -10t )

pL = Vl i = 100e- 5t 2(l - e-«) = 200(e" 5t - e~ 10t )

Pt = Pr + Pl = 200(1 -«-«)

The steady state energy stored in the magnetic field is W= ^LI2 = ^-(10)(2)
2 = 20 joules.

200(e- 5 * - e-wt) dt = 20 joules.

o
254 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

16.3. In the series circuit shown in Fig. 16-21 the switch is closed on position 1 at t =
thereby applying the 100 volt source to the RL branch, and at t = 500 /* sec the
switch is moved to position 2. Obtain the equations for the current in both intervals
and sketch the transient.
With the switch in position 1 the equation is

di
lOOi + .2.-7- = 100 or (D + 500)i = 500 (1)
at

and the complete current is i = c 1 e -500t +1.0 (2)

At t = 0, i — 0. Using the initial condition in (2), = c^l) + 1.0 or c x — —1.0. Then the current is

i = 1.0(1 - e-soot)
( 5)

Now at 500 n sec this transient is interrupted and the current is

- - 500(500><10 " 6)
i = 1.0(1 e ) = 1.0(1 -.779) = .221 amp (4)

:ioon

100 v
.2h

i i .221- -

Fig. 16-21 Fig. 16-22

With the switch in position 2 the applied voltage is 50 v with the same polarity as the 100 volt
source and the equation is

100i+.2^
at
= 50 or {D + 500)i = 250 (5)

which gives i = c2 e"

"^-
,-500«-t')
1 >
+ .5 (6)

where t' = 500 n sec. Now when t = t' in equation (6), the current is .221 amp as found in (4).

i = .221 = c2 (l) + .5 and c2 = -.279

- 5mt - n
Then for t>t', i = -.279 e + .5 (7)

Equation (3) applies for < t < t' and the transient shown dotted in Fig. 16-22 is heading
for a steady state value of 1.0. Then at t' when the current is .221 amp the switch is moved to
position 2 and equation (J) applies for t > t' with a final value of .5 amp as shown.

16.4. Repeat Problem 16.3 with the polarity of the 50 volt source reversed.
The first part of the transient with the switch in position 1 is the same as obtained in
Problem 16.3: i = 1.0(1 - e" 500 *) with i = .221 amp at t = 500 (i sec.

The reversed polarity on the 50 volt source results in the following equation

lOOi + .2^ = -50 or (D + 500)t = -250 (1)

at

whose solution is t = ce -500(t-t') - .5 (2)

CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 255

Now at t = t' the current is .221 amp. Substitut-

ing into equation (2), .221 = c(l) - .5 or c = .721.
Then the current equation for t > t' is
i = .721 e" 500 "-^ - .5

The current transient is shown in Fig. 16-23

and the final value is —.5 since its direction with
the 50 volt source applied is opposite to the as-
sumed positive direction for i. Fig. 16-23

16.5. A RC circuit with

series R - 5000 ohms and C — 20 /*f has a constant voltage
V= 100 v applied at t = and the capacitor has no initial charge. Find the equa-
tions of i, v R and v c .

When the switch is closed the equation is

1 =
+ dt 100
5000*
20 X 10-e / i (1)

Differentiating and using operator notation we obtain

(D + 10)i = with a solution i = ce~ 10t (2)

Setting t = in equation (1) gives the initial current i = 100/5000 = .02 amp. Substitute this
in (2) and obtain c .02.= Then the current is
i = .02e- 10t (S)

and the transient voltages across the circuit elements are

Vr = Ri = 5000(.02e- 10 ') = 100 e- 10 '

vc -*/ i dt =
20 X 10-6 J
.02 e-i<» dt = 100(1 - e- 1(»)

The transients are shown in Fig. 16-24. In the steady state, v R = and v c — 100 v.

Fig. 16-24

16.6. The 20 /*f capacitor in the RC circuit shown in

Fig. 16-25 has an initial charge 500 micro- q = iooo n
coulombs with the polarity shown in the diagram. 50 v
At t = the switch is closed, thereby applying the 20 ^t
constant voltage V = 50 volts. Find the current
transient.
When the switch closed the equation is Fig. 16-25
is

lOOOt + 1
dt = 50 (D + 50)i =
20X10 =./
i (1)

and the solution is i = ce -50t

Now the 50 volt source drives a current in the direction shown in the diagram, resulting in
+ charge on the top plate of the capacitor. The initial charge g on the capacitor has an equivalent
voltage V = q<JC — (500 X 10~ 6)/(20 X 10 ~ 6) = 25 volts which also sends a current in the
direction of i as shown. Then at t = the initial current is i = (V + qo/Q/R = (50 + 25)/1000 =
.075 amp. Substituting in equation (2), we find c = .075 and hence i = .075e -50t .
 ~ -

256 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

16.7. Repeat Problem 16.6 using the charge basis for the transient.
The charge basis equation is

dq
1000 + = 50 (D + 50)q = .05 (1)
dt 20 X 10-6

with solution q = ce -50t + io~ 3 (2)

At t = the capacitor has a positive charge of .5 X 10 3 coulomb on the lower plate. The
polarity of the charge deposited during the transient is positive on the upper plate. Hence
put q = -.5X10- 3 and t = into equation (2) and find c = -1.5x10-3. Then q =
-1.5 X 10-3 e -5<>t + io-3 and the current transient is i = dq/dt = .075e-»>t.
The transient in Fig. 16-26(a) shows that the capacitor has an initial charge of .5 X 10 -3 coulomb,
positive on the lower plate, and a final charge of 1.0 X 10 _3 coulomb, positive on the top plate.
The current transient i — dq/dt is shown in Fig. 16-26(6).

5X10-8- /q
.025-
1 1 1 1 1 1

/ .02 .04 .06 .08 .10

5X10-3-

(a)
Fig. 16-26

16.8. In the RC circuit of Fig. 16-27 the switch is closed

on position 1 at t =
and after 1 TC is moved to 500 n
position 2. Find the complete current transient.
20 v 40 v
With the switch at the solution of the differ-
position 1, .5/xf

ential equation obtained by application of Kirchhoff's volt-

age law to the circuit is
— -4000t
Fig. 16-27
t/RC Cl e (j)

At t = 0, i = V/R = 20/500 = 04 amp. Substituting into (1), cx = .04 and the current in the
interval < t< 1 TC is
i = .04e- 4000t (2)

This transient continues until t - 1 TC = RC = 500(.5 X 10 fi

) = 250 microseconds. At this
point the current has the value i = .04e _1 = .0147 amp.

When the switch is moved to position 2, the

capacitor has a charge on the plates resulting in a
voltage v c = 20(1 - e" 1 ) = 12.65 volts. This volt- .04 -

age and the 40 volt source both drive current in .02-

.0147
the opposite direction from the current caused by
the 20 volt source. Letting t' — 1 TC, the current t'
equation for the second transient is -.02-

-.04-
C2 e-4000(t-t') (3) i

-.06 -
At t = t', i = -(40 + 12.65)/500 = -.1053 amp.
-.08
Substituting into (3), c 2 = —.1053 and the current is ->

-.10 -
'-.1053
= -.1053 e -40ooct-n (4) -
-.12

The complete current transient is shown in

Fig. 16-28. At 1 TC, the current has a peak value Fig. 16-28
of -.1053 amp.
CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 257

16.9. Determine the charge transient for Problem 16.8 and differentiate to obtain the
current.
The equation on the charge basis with the switch in position 1 is

500 & ++
dt .5
9
X 10-«
= 20 or (D + 4Q00)q = .04 (1)

and the solution is q = cx e' 4000 * + 10 X 10 6

At t = 0, q — 0. Using this initial condition in (2), we obtain ct = — 10 X 10 -6 and thus

q = 10 X 10-6 (i _ e -4000t) (3)

This equation applies for < t < V where t' = 1 TC. At 1 TC the charge on the capacitor is
q = 10 X 10- 6 (1 -e-i) = 6.32 X 10-6 coulomb.
With the switch in position 2 the differential equation is

500^ + q = -40 or (D + 4000)^ = -.08 (-4)

dt .5 X 10-6

and the solution is q = Ca e

-40oo(t-t') _ 20X10-6 (5)

Now we determine c2 by substituting the value of q at 1 TC and setting t — 1 TC in equation (5).

Thus, 6.32 X 10-6 - C2 (!) _ 2 X 10" 6 or c2 = 26.32 X lO" 6 . Then

= 26.32 X io-e e -40oo(t-n _ 20 X lO" 6 («)

The complete charge transient is shown in

Fig. 16-29. We
obtain the corresponding cur-
rent transient by differentiating equations (3)
and (6). Thus in the interval < t < t' the
current is

i = -JUlOX 10-6(1 - e -4000t)} = .04 e- 4000 '

and when t > t'

-10X10-*
= d
i ^-{26.32 X I0-6 e -4000(t-t') 20 X 10- 6 }
at
= -.1053 e -40oo(t-t')
-20X10-8-
These same results were obtained in equations
(*) and (4) of Problem 16.8. Fig. 16-29

16.10. A series RLC circuit with R - 3000 ohms, L = 10 h and C = 200 fit has a constant
voltage V = 50 volts applied at t = 0. Find the current transient and the maximum
value of the current if the capacitor has no initial charge.
The equation after the switch is closed is
di
3000t + 10 + I idt = 50 or (D 2 + 300D + 500)i =
X 10-6 Jf
-^7 -
(1)
dt 200 C

The roots of the characteristic equation are D =

t
-298.3 and D2 - -1.67, and
i = Cie -i.m + C2e -298.3t ^
To evaluate Ci c 2 we use two initial conditions. Since the series circuit contains an inductance,
and
the current function must be continuous. Therefore since % — at t = 0—, i is also zero at t — 0+.
Then from equation (1), 10 di/dt = 50 and di/dt = 5. Now write equation (2) at t = 0:
= c x (l) + c 2 (l) or c t + c 2 = 0. Setting t - in the first derivative of (2) and substituting
di/dt = 5, we obtain 5 = — 1.67c! — 298.3c 2 Solving the two simultaneous equations relating the
.

constants, we find c x = .0168 and c 2 = —.0168. Then

.0168 e-^t - .0168 e- 298 - 3*

(3)
258 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

To find the maximum current we set di/dt equal to zero and solve for t.

di/dt = (,0168)(-1.67)e-i- 67 '- (.0168)(-298.3)e- 2 98-3t = or t = .0175 sec

Substituting this value of * into equation («?), we find .0161 amp.

16.11. A series RLC circuit with R — 50 ohms, L — .lh and C = 50 /xf has a constant
voltage V — 100 volts applied at t — 0. Find the current transient assuming zero
initial charge on the capacitor.
When the switch is closed the following differential equation is obtained.

*
50* + .1
^+ f i dt = 100 or (02 + 50OD + 2 X 10 5 )i = (1)

The roots of the characteristic equation are D = — 250 + j'371

t and D 2 = — 250 — ;371; hence
the current is
i - e -250t( Cl cos 371* + c 2 sin 371*) (2)

The current is zero at * = 0. Then from (2 ), i = Q = (l)(Ci cos + c 2 sin 0) and Cj = 0.

Now equation (2) becomes
i = e-250t C2 si n3 7i f ( S)

Differentiating (3),
di/dt = c 2 {e-250t(37i) cos371t + e~250t(-250) sin371t} (4)

From (1) at t = 0, .l(di/dt) = 100 or di/dt = 1000. Substituting into (4) at t = 0, di/dt = 1000 =
c 2 371cos0 and c2 = 2.7. Thus the required current is i - e~ 250t (2.7 sin371t).

16.12. A series RL circuit with R=50 ohms and L = .2 h has a sinusoidal voltage source
v = 150 sin (500£ + <£) applied at a time when = 0. Find the complete current. </>

When the switch is closed the differential equation for the given circuit is

50i + .2^ = 150sin500t or (D + 250)i = 750 sin 500* (1)

at

The complementary function is ic = c e -250t .

To find the particular solution we use the method of undetermined coefficients and assume a
particular current
i
p
= A cos 500* + B sin 500* (2)

Then ^ = -500A sin 500* + 500B cos 500* (3)

Substituting these expressions for i and i' into equation (1), we obtain

(-500A sin 500* + 5005 cos 500*) + 250(A cos 500* + B sin 500*) = 750 sin 500*

Equating the coefficients of sin 500* and also of cos 500*, we obtain

-500A + 250B = 750 and 500B + 250A = (4)

Solving these simultaneous equations, we find A = —1.2 and B= .6. Then

ip = -1.2 cos 500* + .6 sin 500* = 1.34 sin (500* - 63.4°) (5)

The complete current is i = c e~^t + 1-3 4 sin (500* - 63.4°) (6)

At * = 0, i = = c(l) + 1.34 sin (-63.4°) and c = 1.2. Then

i = 1.2 e" 250 * + 1.34 sin (500* - 63.4°) (7)

CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 259

Fig. 16-30 shows ic i

,
p and
their sum i. After the transient is over (approx. at t — 5 TC) the
current is sinusoidal and lags the applied voltage by B = tan -1 uL/R = 63.4°.

Fig. 16-30

16.13. Referring to the circuit described in Problem 16.12, at what angle must the switch <j>

be closed in order that the current will go directly into the steady state with no
transient ?
If <p ¥* 0, we have from equation (6) of Problem 16.12,

i = c e -250t + li34 sin (500* + ^ - 63.4°)

At t = 0, — c(l) + 1.34 sin — 63.4°). Now the transient is
(<f> zero if the constant c is zero;
this occurs when <f>
= (63.4° + n 180°), where n = 0,1,2, ... .

16.14. A series RC 100 ohms and C = 25

circuit with R - /xf has a sinusoidal voltage
source v -
250 sin (500t + <£) applied at a time when <j> = 0°. Find the current,
assuming there is no initial charge on the capacitor.
When the switch is closed the differential equation for the circuit is

lOOi + dt = (D + 400)i =
25 X lO- 6 / i 250 sin 500* or 1250 cos 500* (1)

The complementary function is ic = ce~ 400t .

To find the particular current we

the right side of the operator equation be the real part
let
of 1250 e i5m and then assume a particular current

i
p
= K exoot

Then i£ = j500 Reboot (')

Substituting these values of i and i' into equation (1), we obtain

;500KeJ 500t + 400(K ^ 500t) = 1250 e''

500t
(-4)

from which = 1.955 /— 51.3° This value of K is substituted into equation (2), but since the
K .

driving voltage was the real part of 1250 eJ 500t the actual current is the real part of (2) and ,

= 1.955 cos (500* - 51.3°). The complete current is

i = ce-4oot + 1.955 cos (500*- 51.3°) (5)

At t = 0,
equation (1) is lOOt = 250 sin or i = 0. Now using equation (5) with t = 0, we find
c = —1.22 and hence

i = -1.22 e-*00t + 1.955 cos (500* -51.3°) = -1.22 e~400t + 1,955 sm (500* + 38.7°)
260 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

16.15. In the RC circuit shown

in Fig. 16-31, the sinus-
oidal voltage source v — 250 sin (500£ + <£) is ap-
plied by closing the switch at a time when <£ = 45°.
ioo a
There is an initial charge q = 5000 X 10~ 6 coulomb
on the capacitor with polarity shown on the dia-
gram. Find the complete current. 9o *"p 25/if

The circuit and the sinusoidal voltage are the same as

in Problem 16.14 except that = 45°. Thus the operator <f>

form of the differential equation is Fig. 16-31

(I> + 400)i = 1250 cos (500* + 45°) (i)

The complementary function is also the same as in Problem 16.14 and the particular current is

shifted by 45°, i.e. i

p
- 1.955 sin (500* + 83.7°). Then the complete current is

i = ce~ 40 °t + 1.955 sin (500* + 83.7°) (2)

At t = there are two voltages tending to pass a current. The charged capacitor has an
~
equivalent voltage V = q Q /C = (5000 X 10~ 6 )/(25 X 10 6 ) = 200 volts and the source has an
instantaneous voltage v = 250 sin 45° = 176.7 volts. Examination of the circuit shows that both
of these voltages have the same polarity and therefore the initial current is i = (200 + 176.7)/100 =
3.77 amp. Now using equation (2) with i = 3.77 at * = 0, we find c = 1.83 and hence the required
current is _ 183 e - 4 oot + 1.955 sin ( 50 0* + 83.7°)
.

16.16. The series RLC circuit shown in Fig. 16-32 has a

sinusoidal voltage source v =
100 sin (1000£ + 4).
If the switch is closed when = 90°,
find the cur-
4,

rent assuming zero initial charge on the capacitor.

The equation written for the circuit after the switch Fig. 16-32
is closed is
r
m
.

*
+ .1^ + 1n -6
idt = 100 sin (1000* + 90°)
at 50 X 10 fi
J\

or (D 2 + 500Z> + 2 X 10 5 )i = 10 6 cos (1000* + 90°) (1)

The roots of the characteristic equation are D =

x
—250 + ;371 and D 2 = —250 — ;371.
The complementary current is ic - e~ 250t (c t cos 371t + c2 sin 371t) and the particular cur-
rent, found by the method used in Problem 16.14, is i
p
= 1.06 sin (1000*+ 32°). Then the complete
current is - 25 ot
.
= e ( Cl cos 371« + c 2 sin 371*) + 1.06 sin (lOOOt + 32°) (2)

From equation (1) at t = 0, i - and di/dt = 1000. Substituting into (2), we find cx = -.562.

Now differentiating (2), we obtain

$1 = e-250t (-37i Cl S in 371* + 371c 2 cos 371t)

+ (ci cos 371* + c 2 sin 371t)(-250 e' 2 ™) + 1.06(1000) cos (1000* + 32°) (3)

Substituting * = 0, cx = -.562 and di/dt - 1000 into equation (3), we find c 2 = -.104. Now equa-
tion (2) becomes
I
- e -250t(_.562 cos 371* - .104 sin 371*) + 1.06 sin (1000* + 32°)

16.17. A series RLC circuit with R= 100 ohms, L = .1 h and C = 50 id has a sinusoidal
voltage source v = 100 sin (lOOOi + 0). If the switch is closed when <f>
= 90°, find

the current assuming no initial charge on the capacitor.

When the switch is closed, the equation for the circuit is

100 i
1U +
T .l4^ + (idt = 100 sin (1000* + 90°)
dt 50 x 10~ 6* J

or (D2 + 1000D + 2 X 10 5 )i = 10 6 cos (1000* + 90°) (1)

CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 261

The roots of the characteristic equation are D = x

—276.5 and D2 — —723.5.

The complementary function is ic = c x e- 276 5t + c 2 and the particular solution, e- 723 5t

- -

obtained by the method used in Problem 16.14, is i

p
- .781 sin (lOOOt + 51.4°). Then the com-
plete current is
_ Ci6 -276.5t + Cae -728.5t + .781 sin (1000t + 61.4°)
.
(2)

To determine the constants c t and c 2 , we evaluate i and di/dt at t = in equation (1).

Substituting the resulting i = and di/dt = 1000 into equation (2), we obtain

i = o = cj(l) + c 2 (l) + .781 sin 51.4° or C\ + c2 = -.610 (S)

Differentiating (2) and substituting t = and di/dt — 1000,

di/dt = 1000 = -276.5c x - 723.5c 2 + 781 cos 51.4° or 276.5^ + 723.5c2 = -513 (4)

Solving (3) and (-4) simultaneously, cx = .161 and c2 = —.771. Then

- 276 -
i = .161 e - 5' .771 e~ 723-5t + .781 sin (lOOOt + 51.4°)

_ ion
16.18. In the two-mesh network shown in Fig. 16-33
the switch is closed at t = 0. Find the tran-
sient mesh currents i\ and ii shown in the dia- 50 v 2 Mf
gram, and the transient capacitor voltage v c .

Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to the two loops,

we have
20t! - 10i<2 = 50 or 2Di t = Di2 (1)
Fig. 16-33

-lOtt + 10i2 + - e /**<** = ° -Di x + (D + 5 X 10 4 )i2 =

2 x |

From equation (1), Di x = \Di2 . Substitute this in (2) and obtain

-i$Di2 ) + (D + 5 X 10 4 )t 2 =0 or (D + 10*)t2 = (3)

The solution to equation (3) contains a complementary function only, since the equation is
homogeneous. Hence 5
— ce -io
.
t
%2 04)

Setting =t in equation (2), — 10^ + 10i2 =or i x — i2 Then equation (1) at t = . becomes
20ij — lOt =
-

! 50 or it = i2 — 5 amp. Substituting this value of i2 into (A), we obtain c = 5. Thus

H = 5e-
lo5t
(5)

Now obtain the transient current ix by substituting (5) into equation (1). Thus

20i 1 -10(5e- 1 ° 5t
) = 50 and it = 2.5 + 2.5 e" 10
'*

The transient voltage across the capacitor, v c , is obtained by the integral of the mesh current i2 :

16.19. In the two-mesh network shown in Fig. 16-34

the switch is closed at t = and the voltage —o—iWW
eT
ion

source is given by v = 150 sin 1000£. Find

the mesh currents i\ and i% as given in the
diagram.
Kirchhoff' s voltage law applied to the two indi-
cated loops results in the equations
du
10i2 + 15*! + .01-^- = 150sinl000t

or (D + 1500)1*! + lOOOijj = 15,000 sin lOOOt (I) Fig. 16-34

262 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

15*2 + 10tV = 150 sin 1000*

From equation (2) we find that i2 = 10 sin lOOOt - §i x (3)

Substituting into equation (2), we obtain the differential equation

(D + 833)ii = 5000 sin lOOOt CO

The complete solution, found by the method of Problem 16.14, is

ix = c e-833* + 3.84 sin (1000* - 50.2°) (5)

Now substitute this expression for it into equation (3) and get
i2 - _| ce -833t _ 2.56 sin (lOOOt - 50.2) + 10 sin lOOOt

= -§ c e-»33t + 8 .58 S i n (lOOOt + 13.25°) (6)

Mesh current ix passes through an inductance and must be zero at t = 0. Substituting into
equation (5), = c(l) + 3.84 sin (-50.2°) and c = 2.95. Then the two mesh current equa-
tions are

ix = 2.95 e- 833t + 3.84 sin (lOOOt- 50.2°) and t2 = -1.97 e~ 833t + 8.58 sin (1000t+ 13.25°)

Supplementary Problems

16.20. In the series RL shown in Fig. 16-35 switch Sj

circuit is
50 n
v.
closed at t = 0.
After 4 ms (milliseconds) switch <S2 is D ^o WW-
opened. Find the current in the intervals < *< t'

and t' < t, where t' = 4 ms. loon

= - = -1500 ""'^ +
Ans. i 2(1 e-500t) } ; i.oee + .667
100 v-£
.lh
16.21. A constant voltage is applied to a series RL circuit by
closing a switch. The voltage across L is 25 volts at
t = and drops to 5 volts at t — .025 sec. If L = 2 h,
what must be the value of Rl Ans. 128.8 ohms Fig. 16-35

16.22. In the circuit shown in Fig. 16-36 switch S t is closed at t — and switch S2 is opened at t = .2 sec.

Find the transient current expressions for the two intervals.

Ans. i = 10(l-e- 10t ), i = 6.97e- 60 »- t '> + 1.67

16.23. In the circuit shown in Fig. 16-37 the switch is closed on position 1 at t — 0, and then moved to
Find the time at which the current is zero and reversing its direction.
position 2 after 1 millisecond.
Ans. 1.261 ms.

50 a IS,

100
+1
v-S- ion /I 50012

.2h

lh
1_I
Fig. 16-36 Fig. 16-37
 ~ ~ — .

CHAP. 16] CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS 263

16.24. In the circuit shown in Fig. 16-38 the switch has been closed in position 1 for sufficient time to
establish the steady state current. When the switch is then moved to position 2 a transient current
exists in the two 50 ohm resistors for a short time. Find the energy dissipated in the resistors
during this transient. Ans. 8 joules
-6
16.25. The shown in Fig. 16-39 has an initial charge on the capacitor of q = 800 X 10
RC circuit coulomb
with the polarity shown in the diagram. Find both the current and charge transients which result
25><loH X 10" 6
when the switch is closed. Ans. i = -10 e -*-« *«»**, q = 400(1 + e~ ) coulomb

2 50 a
/
lo/ o2 loo a
100 v +L 1-
100 v 50n S-20v
I 4h 50
f 'T_J /<f!

Fig. 16-38 Fig. 16-39 Fig. 16-40

16.26. A capacitor of 2 id with an initial charge q = 100 X 10 6 coulomb is connected across the
terminals of a 100 ohm resistor at t — 0. Calculate the time in which the transient voltage across
the resistor drops from 40 to 10 volts. Ans. 277 .4 microsec

16.27. In the circuit shown in Fig. 16-40 the switch is closed on position 1 at t = and then moved to
position 2 after 1 TC. Find the transient current expressions for both intervals < t < t' and
t' < t. Ans. i = .5 e-»»*, i = -.516 e -200 "
-0

16.28. Referring to Problem 16.27, solve the differential equation on the charge basis. From the transient
charge functions obtain the current expressions and compare the results.

16.29. In the circuit shown in Fig. 16-41 the switch is in position 1 for sufficient time to establish the
steady state and then moved to position 2. A transient current exists when the switch is moved to
position 2 during which energy is dissipated in the two resistors. Find this energy and compare
it with that which was stored in the capacitor before the switch was moved. Ans. .20 joule
~
16.30. In the circuit shown in Fig. 16-42 capacitor C x has an initial charge q — 300 X 10 6 coulomb.
If the switch is closed at t = 0, find the current transient, charge transient and final voltage of
Ans. i = 2.5 e~ 2 5xl °4t -
q = 200(1 + .5 e 2 -5xio t) x 10 6 coulomb, 33.3 v
4
capacitor C v -

16.31. Referring to Problem 16.30, find the transient voltages v c v c and v R Show that their sum , . is zero.
- -
Ans. v Cl = 33.3 + 16.7e- 2 5xl °4t v c = -33.3(1 - e 2 5xloH ), v R = -50 e 2 5xl °4t
-

,
- -

:20on
ion
200 n
;4o M f

Fig. 16-41 Fig. 16-42 Fig. 16-43

16.32. In the series RC circuit shown in Fig. 16-43 the capacitor has an initial charge q and the switch
is closed at t = 0. Find q if the transient power in the resistor is known to be pR = 360e -1 ° 5t .

Ans. 120 X 10-« coulomb

16.33. A series RLC circuit with R = 200 ohms, L = .1 h and C = 100 /*f has a constant voltage
V = 200 volts applied at t = 0. Find the current assuming the capacitor has no initial charge.
Ans. i = 1.055e~ 52t - 1.055e- 1948t

16.34. A series RLC circuit with R = 200 ohms and L = .1 h is to be made critically damped by the
selection of the capacitance. Find the required value of C. Ans. 10 fit

16.35. Find the natural frequency of a series RLC circuit in which R= 200 ohms, L= .1 h and C= 5 /tf

Ans. 1000 rad/sec

 x —

264 CIRCUIT TRANSIENTS [CHAP. 16

16.36. A series RLC circuit with R = 5 ohms, L = .1 h and C = 500 id has a constant voltage
V = 10 volts applied at < = 0. Find the resulting current transient. Ans. i = .72 e~ 25t sin 139i

16.37. An RL series circuit with R = 300 ohms and L - 1.0 h has a sinusoidal applied voltage
v = 100 cos (lOOt + <p). If the switch is closed when = 45°, obtain the resulting current transient
Ans. i = -282e-3°°t + .316 cos (100< + 26.6°)
16.38. The RL shown in Fig. 16-44 is operating in the sinusoidal steady state with the switch in
circuit
position The switch is moved to position 2 when the voltage source is v = 100 cos (lOOt + 45°).
1.
Obtain the current transient and plot the last half-cycle of the steady state together with the
transient to show the transition. Ans. i = .282e _300t

: 300 a 500 n

10 a
lh

Fig. 16-44 Fig. 16-45 Fig. 16-46

16.39. In the RC circuit shown in Fig. 16-45 the capacitor has an initial charge q = 25 X 10 -6 coulomb
with polarity shown in the diagram. The sinusoidal voltage v = 100 sin (lOOOt + #) is applied
to the circuit at a time corresponding to = 30°. Obtain the current transient. <f>

Ans. i = .1535 e -4 lo3t + .0484 106°) sin (1000t +

16.40. Referring to Problem 16.39, what initial charge on the capacitor will cause the current to go
directly into the steady state without a transient when the switch is closed?
Ans. 13.37 X lO -6 coulomb, + on top plate

16.41. Show that a series RLC circuit with a source v = Vmax sin («t + <f>)
has a particular solution
to its differential equation given by
Vmax
' {1/o,C ~ uL)
P in f»t + + + tan-i )
V# + 2 (1/uC - <oL)2

16.42. A series RLC circuit with R = 5 ohms, L = .1 h and C = 500 i& has a sinusoidal voltage
v = 100 sin (250t + <p) applied at a time when <f>
= 0°. Find the resulting current.
Ans. i = e~25t (5.42 cos 139t - 1.89 sin 139t) + 5.65 sin (2504 - 73.6°)

16.43. A series RLC circuit with R = 200 ohms, L = .5 h and C = 100 (d has a sinusoidal voltage
source v= 300 sin (500£ + If the switch is closed when
<f>).
= 30°, find the <p resulting current.
Ans. i = .517 ©-*«.« - .197 «-«w.et + .983 sin (500t- 19°)
16.44. A series RLC circuit with R= 50 ohms, L = .1 h and C = 50 id has a sinusoidal voltage source
v = 100 sin (500t + <p). If the switch is closed when = 45°, find the resulting current.
<j>

Ans. i = e-250* (-1.09 cos 371t - 1.025 sin 371t) + 1.96 sin (500t + 33.7°)

16.45. In the two-mesh network shown in Fig. 16-46 the voltage source in mesh 1 is given by
v = 100 sin (200t + <f>). Find the transient mesh currents i t and i2 if the switch is closed when = 0. <f>

Ans. i = S.Ole-KW + 8.96 sin (200£ - 63.4°), i2 - l^OSe- 1 ™' + 4.48 sin (200t - 63.4°)
x

16.46. In the two-mesh network shown in Fig. 16-47 find the mesh currents ix and i2 when the switch is

closed at t = 0. Ans. it = .101e- 100t + 9.899e-" 50t , i2 = -5.05e- 100 ' + 5+ .0he~^^
16.47. In the two-mesh network shown in Fig. 16-48 the switch is closed at t = 0. Find the resulting
currents i x and i2 Ans. i x — 1.67e _6 67t + 5, i2 = — .555e _667t + 5
.
-

Afm-
5n
—vw
5n -\
|

511
+ \ Pion

[ :20jxf *2
.lh
V ^ *i
c3 2h
*2 ion

1 "*

Fig. 16-47 Fig. 16-48