Definition of characteristic curve Characteristic curve
char•ac•ter•is•tic curve
We found 3 definitions of characteristic curve from 2 different sources.
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What does characteristic curve mean?
WordNet
Noun |
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| characteristic curve - (electronics) graph showing how a particular characteristic of a device varies with other parameters | ||
| characterisic function | ||
| graph, graphical record a visual representation of the relations between certain quantities plotted with reference to a set of axes | ||
| electronics the branch of physics that deals with the emission and effects of electrons and with the use of electronic devices | ||
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Electrical DictionaryThe Standard Electrical Dictionary 💡
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characteristic curve
A curve indicating the variations in electro-motive force developed during the rotations of the armature of a dynamo or other generator of E. M. F. The term as used in the electrical sense is thus applied, although the indicator diagram of a steam engine may be termed its characteristic curve, and so in many other cases. As the amperes taken from a series generator are increased in number, the E. M. F. rises, it may be very rapidly up to a certain point, and thereafter more slowly. To construct the curve coordinates, q. v., are employed. The resistance of the dynamo and of the outer circuit being known, the current intensity is measured. To obtain variations in electro-motive force the external resistance is changed. Thus a number of ampere readings with varying known resistance are obtained, and for each one an electro-motive force is calculated by Ohm's law. From these data a curve is plotted, usually with volts laid off on the ordinate and amperes on the abscissa.By other methods other characteristic curves may be obtained, for which the titles under Curve may be consulted.Characteristic, Drooping. A characteristic curve of a dynamo which indicates a fall in voltage when an excessive current is taken from the dynamo in question. It is shown strongly in some Brush machines, and is partly due to the arrangements for cutting out two of the coils as they approach the neutral line. It is an advantage, as it protects from overheating on short circuit.
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characteristic curve
A curve indicating, graphically, the relations between any two factors, which are interdependent, or which vary simultaneously. Thus in a dynamo, the voltage increases with the speed of rotation, and a characteristic curve may be based on the relations between the speed of rotation and voltage developed. The current produced by a dynamo varies with the electro-motive force, and a curve can express the relations between the electro-motive force and the current produced.A characteristic curve is usually laid out by rectangular co-ordinates (see Co-ordinates). Two lines are drawn at right angles to each other, one vertical, and the other horizontal. One set of data are marked off on the horizontal line, say one ampere, two amperes, and so on, in the case of a dynamo's characteristic curve.For each amperage of current there is a corresponding voltage in the circuit. Therefore on each ampere mark a vertical is erected, and on that the voltage corresponding to such amperage is laid off. This gives a series of points, and these points may be connected by a curve. Such curve will be a characteristic curve.The more usual way of laying out a curve is to work directly upon the two axes. On one is laid off the series of values of one set of data; on the other the corresponding series of values of the other dependent data. Vertical lines or ordinates, q. v., are erected on the horizontal line or axis of abscissas at the points laid off; horizontal lines or abscissas, q. v., are drawn from the points laid off on the vertical line or axis of ordinates. The characteristic curve is determined by the intersections of each corresponding pair of abscissa and ordinate.Variations exist in characteristic curve methods. Thus to get the characteristic of a commutator, radial lines may be drawn from a circle representing its perimeter. Such lines may be of length proportional to the voltage developed on the commutator at the points whence the lines start. A cut giving an example of such a curve is given in Fig. 125. (See Curve of Distribution of Potential in Armature.)There is nothing absolute in the use of ordinates or abscissas. They may be interchanged. Ordinarily voltages are laid off as ordinates, but the practise may be reversed. The same liberty holds good for all characteristic curves. Custom, however, should be followed.Synonym--Characteristic.
