Module I : lecture 7

Resistive Network Analysis:

Mesh current methods
 Mesh Analysis / Loop Analysis :

 Also called Maxwell’s Mesh Current Method ,Maxwell’s Loop Curent

Method.
 This method is based on KVL.
 Here the current in different mesh is assigned so that they do not split at a
junction into branch current.
 mesh voltage equations are written by KVL in terms of unknown mesh
current.
 Circuit with voltage sources are comparatively easier to solve by this method.
 Mesh Analysis steps :

 Identify all mesh of the circuit and assign mesh current in each mesh. (
preferably in clockwise direction )
 Identify all voltage sources according to their correct polarity.
 Write the KVL equation for each mesh. ( rise in potential positive sign and
fall in potential negative sign )
 Write Voltage drop of resistor in terms of the mesh current. (If two mesh
currents are flowing through a circuit element, the actual current in the circuit
element is the algebraic sum of the two. )
 Solve the equation to find the unknown current / voltage drops.
 Mesh Analysis Example :

Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law :

Solving eq. (i) and eq. (ii) simultaneously, mesh currents I1 and I2 can be found out.
 Q. Find out all mesh current and branch current for the circuit
shown using mesh analysis . E1 = 100 V , E2 = 180 V, R1 = 4 ohm
, R2 = 10 ohm and R3 = 10 ohm.
 I1 = 1.12 A
 I2 = -8.44 A
 I R1 = 1.12 A
 I R2 = I1-12 = 9.56 A
 IR3 = -8.44 A
Q. In the network shown below,find the magnitude and direction of
each branch current by mesh current method.
Q. Calculate the current in each branch of the
circuit shown below using mesh analysis.
 Solution :
 Assign mesh currents I1, I2 and I3 to meshes
ABHGA, HEFGH and BCDEHB respectively
as shown in fig.

Mesh ABHGA. Applying KVL, we have

Mesh GHEFG. Applying KVL, we have,

 Mesh BCDEHB. Applying KVL, we have,
Q. By using mesh analysis, determine the current supplied by each battery in
the circuit shown below.
 Mesh Analysis with current source :CASE 1
 The current sources will reduce the number of equations, makes it easier to
solve.
 CASE 1 – When a current source exists only in one mesh: Consider in
Figure.(1) for example,
we set i2 = -5 A
and write equation for the other mesh in the usual ways;

10 – 4i1 -6(i1-i2)=0 i 1 = -2 A

Figure.(1)
 Mesh Analysis with current source :CASE 2
 CASE 2 – When a current source exists between two meshes: Consider the circuit in
Figure.(2), This is called supermesh.
 A supermesh is formed when two meshes have common current source (dependent
or independent ).

Figure.(2),
 Supermesh Solution:
 We create a supermesh by excluding the current source and any elements connected
in series with it
 Supermesh must satisfy KVL like any other mesh. Therefore, applying KVL to the
supermesh in Figure.b gives
20 – 6 i1-10 i2-4 i2 = 0
6 i1 + 14 i2 = 20 …..(1)

 We apply KCL to a node in the branch where the two meshes intersect. Applying
KCL to node 0 in Figure.(2a) gives
i2 = i1 + 6 ….. (2)
Solving Equations.(1) and (1, we get, i1 = -3.2 A i2 = 2.8 A