ACE 05L: Basic Electrical & Electronics Theory

Experiment Six
Kirchoff’s mesh current

Materials: Module EC1-C, power supply, multimeter

In the previous module on Kirchoff’s Node Method we analyzed a

network of resistors and voltage sources. We created a set of linear
simultaneous equations and then solved these for the unknown NODE
voltages. The method was based on the principle that electric charge can
neither be created nor destroyed: the algebraic sum of all currents entering (or
leaving) any node must be zero.

In the present module we consider an alternate method of analyzing a

similar network, based on the principle of conservation of energy: the sum of
voltage rises and drops, as
we traverse any MESH,
must total zero. This time
we create a set of linear
simultaneous equations in
terms of the unknown
MESH currents and then
solve for these currents.

Recall that a LOOP is

defined as any closed path
through the network in
which no node is crossed
more than once. A MESH
is defined as any LOOP
which does not contain
within itself another loop.
In the diagram
shown, by changing links
we can create a circuit with
1, 2, 3 or 4 meshes: In each case place the power source at G-J .
With all links removed there is only one mesh, at the lower left, with R3 , R6
and R8 in series. By placing a link either at J-H or A-C, we obtain two
meshes. By placing a link at J-H and at one other location, A-C or B-C or
A-B, three different configurations may be obtained, each with three meshes.
Finally with all links in place, the circuit contains four meshes.

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 For each mesh, assign a mesh current in the clockwise direction. In what
follows we consider in some detail the four-mesh configurations, with all links
in place.

First we assign arbitrary mesh currents, I1, I2, I3, I4, all in the clockwise
direction; I1 in the upper left mesh, I2 in the upper right, I3 in the lower left mesh,
and I4 in the lower right mesh The actual directions may be different, depending
of the polarity of the voltage source we insert at G-J. If the algebraic value of
any current turns out to be negative, that mesh current must be in the counter-
clockwise direction.

Note that in the lower-left mesh only I3 flows through R3 while both I1 and
I3 flow through R6 but in opposite directions. Insert a voltage source, EGJ,
between terminals G and J ( + at G, - at J) and set up the equation for this
mesh. Start at terminal J with a voltage rise of EGJ, and moving in the clockwise
direction we have a voltage drop of I3R3 as we move through R3. Through R6
the drop is (I3 – I1)R6 and through R8 the drop is (I3 – I4)R8 and then we are back
to our starting point at J. The algebraic sum of these rises and drops must total
to zero. We rearrange the terms, grouping the current terms together:

- I1 R6 - 0 I2 + (R3 + R6 + R8) I3 - R8 I4 = EGJ .

Use this same approach for each mesh; then solve the resulting 4
equations for the currents. You can check on the accuracy of any current value
by applying Ohm’s law to any resistor through which a single current flows; for
example, I3 = ( EGJ - VD ) / R3 .

Procedure:

1: Measure and record the eight resistance values, R1, . . ., R8. You must
remove all links for these measurements.

2: Replace links to form a two-mesh circuit involving |3 and I4, and place a
known voltage source at G-J.

3: Select J as the ground node, and measure and record all other node
voltages with respect to this ground.

4: For each mesh write the appropriate equation. The number of unknown
currents and the number of separate equations should equal the number of

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meshes in the circuit Use the computer program SIMUL-2 to solve these
equations for the unknown currents.

5: Use the resistors R1 , R2, R3 and R4 as needed, to calculate the expected

current values, I1, I2, I3, I4. Divide the voltage difference across each resistor by
the value of the resistor itself. Compare these current values with the solutions
of the equations.

6: Make a three-mesh circuit by placing links at J-H and A-B, maintain source
at G-J to and repeat steps (3) to (5).

7: : Make a four-mesh circuit by placing links at J-H and A-C and B-C,
maintain source at G-J to and repeat steps (3) to (5).

Submit the computer print-outs with your data sheet .

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 Data Sheet: Basic Electrical & Electronics Theory
Experiment # 6
Kirchoff’s mesh current

Name:_____________________________ Date:______

R1 = ____ R2 = ____ R3 = ____ R4 = ____

R5 = ____ R6 = ____ R7 = ____ R8 = ____

Two-mesh circuit:

Link at J-H, Source at G – JH: EGJ = ____

Mesh #3 = JH – G – D – E – JH
Write equation for #3:

Mesh #4 = JH – E – F – JH
Write equation #4:

Use SIMUL-2.EXE to solve these 2 equations:

Measure: VDJ = ____ VEJ = ____ VFJ = _____

Verify results:
I3 = ____ (EGJ- VDJ)/R3 = _____ % Difference = _____
I4 = ____ VFJ / R4 = _____ % Difference = _____

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 Data Sheet: Basic Electrical & Electronics Theory
Experiment # 6 (page 2)
Kirchoff’s mesh current

Three-mesh circuit:

Link at J-H, A-B Source at G – JH: EGJ = ____

Mesh # 12 = E – D – AB – F - E
Write equation for #12:

Mesh #3 = JH – G – D – E – JH
Write equation for #3:

Mesh #4 = JH – E – F – JH
Write equation #4:

Use SIMUL-2.EXE to solve these 3 equations:

Measure: VAJ = ___ VDJ = ____ VEJ = ____ VFJ = ____

Verify results:
I12 = ____ (VDJ- VAJ)/R1 = ____ % Difference = ____
I3 = ____ (VDJ-EGJ)/R3 = ____ % Difference = ____
I4 = _____ VFJ / R4 = _____ % Difference = ____

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 Data Sheet: Basic Electrical & Electronics Theory
Experiment # 6 (page 3)
Kirchoff’s mesh current

Four-mesh circuit:

Link at J-H, A-C, B-C Source at G – JH: EGJ = ____

Mesh # 1 = E – D – AC – E.
Write equation for #1:

Mesh # 2 = E – CB – F – E.
Write equation for #2:

Mesh #3 = JH – G – D – E – JH
Write equation for #3:

Mesh #4 = JH – E – F – JH
Write equation #4:

Use SIMUL-2.EXE to solve these 3 equations:

Measure: VAJ = ___ VDJ = ____ VEJ = ____ VFJ = ____

Verify results:
I1 = ____ (VDJ-VAJ)/R1 = ____ % Difference = ____
I2 = ____ (VAJ-VFJ)/R2 = ____ % Difference = ____
I3 = ____ (EGJ-VDJ)/R3 = ____ % Difference = ____
I4 = ____ VFJ / R4 = ____ % Difference = ____

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