Having trouble with this impedance problem

  • Thread starter mcah5
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In summary, the problem is about a massless dashpot with two moving parts that can move relative to each other along the x direction, with friction provided by a fluid. The force needed to maintain relative velocity between the two parts is equal to the impedance of the dashpot multiplied by their relative distance. The input and output of the dashpot are connected to strings with different impedances, and the problem aims to show that the impedance experienced by a wave incident from the left at z=0 is equal to the parallel connection of the impedances Z_d and Z_2. The solution involves using Newton's third law and expressing the relative distance of the two parts in terms of x_1, ultimately leading to the desired result.
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mcah5
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The problem follows:
Suppose you have a massless dashpot having two moving parts 1 and 2 that can move relative to one another along the x direction, which is transverse to the string direction z. Friction is provided by a fluid that retards the relative motion of the two moving parts. The friction is such that the force needed to maintain relative velocity [tex] x_1 - x_2 [/tex] between the two moving parts is [tex] Z_d*(x_1 - x_2) [/tex], where [tex] Z_d [/tex] is the impedance of the dashpot. The input (part 1) is connected to the end of a string of impedance Z_1 stretching from -infinity to 0. The output (part 2) is connected to a string of impedance [tex] Z_2 [/tex] that extends to z = infinity. Show that a wave incident from the left experiences an impedance at z = 0 which is as if the impedances [tex] Z_d [/tex] and [tex] Z_2 [/tex] where connected in parallel.
I'm thinking:
The wave incident from -infinity will hit the dashpot and experience a force in the opposite direction of [tex] x_1 * Z_L [/tex], where Z_L is the "load" impedance we are trying to show is equal to Z_d*Z_2 / (Z_d + Z_2). This means that a force [tex] x_1 * Z_L [/tex] is exerted on "part 1" of the dashpot. The second part of the dashpot experiences a force [tex] Z_2 * {x_2} [/tex] on it. Therefore, the dashpot has a "tension" of [tex] x_1 * Z_L + Z_2 * x_2 [/tex] and the two parts of the dashpot will be moving with relative velocity [tex] x_1 - x_2 [/tex]. So I have the equation [tex] x_1 * Z_L + Z_2 * x_2 [/tex] = [tex] Z_d (x_1 - x_2) [/tex]
Problem is that this doesn't get me to my desired answer of Z_L = Z_d*Z_2/(Z_d+Z_2). I was wondering what other information I need to solve the problem.
edit: I can't seem to get \\dot{x} to work. Please pretend all the x's have dots over them
 
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I'm not sure, but if you say that the tension of the dashpot is [tex] Z_d*(x_1 - x_2) [/tex], then this is the magnitude of the force the dashpot exerts on the strings. Using Newtons third law, the strings will exert an opposite and equal force on the dashpot. Thus, we would have [tex] Z_d*(x_1 - x_2) [/tex] = [tex] Z_L*(x_1) [/tex] and [tex] Z_d*(x_1 - x_2) [/tex] = [tex] Z_2*(x_2) [/tex]. Using the 2nd eq., we can then express x2 in terms of x1 for the first equation, then divide by x1, and acquire the intended result. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. (Note, there should be dots on all the x's)
 
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FAQ: Having trouble with this impedance problem

What is impedance and why is it important?

Impedance is a measure of the opposition to the flow of an electrical current in a circuit. It is important because it affects the performance and efficiency of the circuit, and can also cause issues such as signal distortion and power loss.

How do I calculate impedance?

Impedance can be calculated using Ohm's Law, which states that impedance (Z) equals the voltage (V) divided by the current (I). Z = V/I

What factors can affect impedance?

Factors that can affect impedance include the type and length of the conductor, the frequency of the current, and the presence of other components such as resistors or capacitors in the circuit.

How can I troubleshoot impedance problems?

To troubleshoot impedance problems, you can check for any loose connections or damaged components, measure the impedance using a multimeter, and make sure all components are properly matched to the required impedance for the circuit.

What are some common solutions to impedance problems?

Some common solutions to impedance problems include using impedance matching components, adjusting the length or type of the conductor, and selecting components with the appropriate impedance for the circuit. In some cases, adding a buffer amplifier or using a different circuit design may also help to improve impedance performance.

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