Do not know if this will help, but there are components in the database in BASIC>RATED VIRTUAL. that actually simulate being "blown" by excessive current or voltage.
Another option would be to have two simulator circuits on screen at the same time. One with the fault and one without it. Hook Multisimeter/O-scopes to both circuits to demonstrate how the fault effects the voltages/currents in the circuit.
Multisim usually does not scream at you when a short occurs as most voltage sources are idea and really not affected by shorting across them. The ideal sources can handle the current within the simulator without "blowing" so to speak. I know this isn't what happens in reality, but everyone needs to keep this in mind when designing a circuit. Always be sure of the current draw from the source and wheither the "real" source can handle it as well as well as the "real" components in that circuit.
One other point. I notice you said you were using an inductor. All of Multisim inductors are ideal and have no internal resistance. Therefore, in a DC circuit they would only be a intial impedence there as the voltage was switched from 0VDC to 12VDC and then it would act as a short anyway. They are pure reactance only and this means that only in an AC Circuit would they display resistive properties. In order to model the DC resistance of an inductor in MS you have to have a series resistor tied to it.
I agree with you that there should be some type of warning that a short is occuring in the spreadsheet or somewhere.
I hope some of my ramblings have helped here.
Message Edited by lacy on 09-02-2008 05:18 PM
