DC PRINCIPLES

Advance class
Scope
1. Network theorems
2. Electromagnetism
3. Magnetic circuit
4. Inductance in dc circuits
5. Electro statistics.
6. Dc generators
7. Dc motors
NETWORK THEOREMS
SCOPE
1. Maximum power transfer theorem
2. Delta-star and star-delta transformation
3. Wheatstone bridge
4. Kirchhoff’s laws
5. Superposition theorem
6. The venin’s theorem
7. Norton’s theorem
Chapter 1.
MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER THEOREM
The maximum power transfer theorem states:
‘The power transferred from a supply source to a load is at its maximum when the
resistance of the load is equal to the internal resistance of the source.’

fig 1.1
Hence, in the Figure above, when R = r the power transferred from the source to the load is a
maximum.
Example.

fig 1.2
The circuit diagram of Figure 1.2 shows dry cells of source e.m.f. 6 V, and internal resistance
2.5Ω. If the load resistance RL is varied from 0 to 5 in 0.5 steps, calculate the power dissipated
by the load in each case. Plot a graph of RL (horizontally) against power (vertically) and
determine the maximum power dissipated.

With similar calculations the following table is produced:

A graph of RL against P is shown in Figure 13.49. The maximum value of power is 3.60 W
which occurs when RL is 2.5Ω, i.e.maximum power occurs when RL = r, which is what the
maximum power transfer theorem states.

FURTHER EXERCISES

1. A d.c. source has an open-circuit voltage of 20 V and an internal resistance of 2Ω.

Determine the value of the load resistance that gives maximum power dissipation. Find the value
of this power. (2Ω, 50W)

2. Determine the value of the load resistance RL shown in the figure below that gives
maximum power dissipation and find the value of the power.
(Rl =1.6Ω, P=57.6w)
 DELTA-STAR AND STAR-DELTA TRANSFORMATION
Delta and star connections
The network shown in Figure (a) consisting of three impedances ZA, ZB and ZC is said to
be p-connected. This network can be redrawn as shown in Figure (b), where the arrangement
is referred to as delta- connected or mesh-connected.
The network shown in Figure (a), consisting of three impedances, Z1, Z2 and Z3 , is said
to be T-connected. This network can be redrawn as shown in Figure 34.2(b), where the
arrangement is referred to as star- connected.

Fig 1.3

Delta-star transformation
Delta-star transformation It is possible to replace the delta connection shown in Figure 34.3(a) by an
equivalent star connection as shown in Figure 34.3(b) such that the impedance measured between any
pair of terminals (1–2, 2–3 or 3–1) is the same in star as in delta. The equivalent star network will
consume the same power and operate at the same power factor as the original delta network. A delta-
star transformation may alternatively be termed ‘π to T transformation’.

Considering terminals 1 and 2 of Figure 34.3(a), the equivalent impedance is given by the impedance
ZB in parallel with the series combination of ZA and ZC,

In Figure 34.3(b), the equivalent impedance between terminals 1 and 2 is Z1 and Z2 in series, i.e., Z1 C
Z2 Thus,
 WHEATSTONE BRIDGE
Figure 10.21 shows a Wheatstone bridge circuit which compares an unknown resistance Rx
with others of known values, i.e. R1 and R2, which have fixed values, and R3, which is
variable. R3 is varied until zero deflection is obtained on the galvanometer G. No current then
flows through the meter, VA = VB, and the bridge is said to be ‘balanced’. At balance, R1Rx =
R2R3, i.e.

EXAMPLE
In a Wheatstone bridge ABCD, a galvanometer is connected between A and C, and a battery
between B and D. A resistor of unknown value is connected between A and B. When the bridge
is balanced, the resistance between B and C is 100 Ω, that between C and D is 10 Ω and that
between D and A is 400 Ω. Calculate the value of the unknown resistance
 The Wheatstone bridge is shown in Figure 10.22 where Rx is the
unknown resistance. At balance, equating the products of
opposite ratio arms, gives:

Hence the unknown resistance, Rx = 4 kΩ

KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS
Kirchhoff’s laws state:
(a) Current Law. At any junction in an electric circuit the total current flowing towards that
junction is equal to the total current flowing away from the junction, i.e.
∑I = 0 Thus, referring to Figure 13.1:
I1 + I2 = I3 + I4 + I5 or I1 + I2 - I3 - I4 - I5 = 0

(b) Voltage Law. In any closed loop in a network, the algebraic sum of the voltage drops (i.e.
products of current and resistance) taken around the loop is equal to the resultant e.m.f.
acting in that loop. Thus, referring to Figure 13.2:
E1 - E2 = IR1 + IR2 + IR3
(Note that if current flows away from the positive terminal of a source, that source is
considered by convention to be positive. Thus moving anticlockwise around the loop of
Figure 13.2, E1 is positive and E2 is negative.
Example 1
(a) Find the unknown currents marked in Figure 13.3(a). (b) Determine the value of e.m.f. E in
Figure 13.3(b).

fig 13.3

(a) Applying Kirchhoff’s current law:

For junction B: 50 = 20 + I1.
Hence I1 = 30 A
For junction C: 20 + 15 = I2.
Hence I2 = 35 A
For junction D: I1 = I3 C+ 120 i.e. 30 = I3 + 120.
Hence I3 = −90 A
(i.e. in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 13.3(a))
For junction E: I4 + I3 = 15 i.e. I4 = 15 – (-90).
Hence I4 = 105 A
For junction F: 120 = I5 + 40. Hence I5 = 80 A
(b) Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law and moving clockwise around the loop of Figure
13.3(b) starting at point A: 3 + 6 + E - 4 = (I)(2) + (I) (2.5) + (I) (1.5) + (I)(1)
= I (2 + 2.5 + 1.5 + 1)
i.e. 5 + E = 2(7), since I = 2 A
Hence E = 14 - 5 = 9 V

Example 2
Use Kirchhoff’s laws to determine the currents flowing in each branch of the network shown in
Figure 13.4.
 Procedure
1 Use Kirchhoff’s current law and label current directions on the original circuit diagram. The
directions chosen are arbitrary, but it is usual, as a starting point, to assume that current flows
from the positive terminals of the batteries. This is shown in Figure 13.5 where the three branch
currents are expressed in terms of I1 and I2 only, since the current through R is I1 C I2.
2 Divide the circuit into two loops and apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law to Figure 13.5 each

From loop 1 of Figure 13.5, and moving in a clockwise direction as indicated (the direction
chosen does not matter), gives
E1 = I1r1 + (I1 + I2) R,
i.e. 4 = 2I1 + 4(I1 + I2),
i.e. 6I1 + 4I2 = 4 (1)
From loop 2 of Figure 13.5, and moving in an anticlockwise direction as indicated (once again,
the choice of direction does not matter; it does not have to be in the same direction as that
chosen for the first loop), gives:
E2 =I2r2 + (I1 + I2) R,
i.e. 2 = I2 + 4(I1 + I2),
i.e. 4I1 + 5I2 = 2 (2)
Solve equations (1) and (2) for I1 and I2. 2 X (1) gives: 12I1 + 8I2 = 8 (3)
3 X (2) gives: 12I1 + 15I2 = 6 (4)
(3) – (4) gives: -7I2 = 2 hence I2 = -2/ 7 = −0.286 A
(i.e. I2 is flowing in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 13.5.)
From (1) 6I1 + 4(-0.286) = 4
6I1 = 4 + 1.144
Hence I1 = 5.144/ 6 = 0.857 A
Current flowing through resistance R is I1 + I2 = 0.857 + (-0.286) = 0.571 A
Note that a third loop is possible, as shown in Figure 13.6, giving a third equation which can be
used as a check:
E1 - E2 = I1r1 - I2r2
4 - 2 = 2I1 - I2
2 = 2I1 - I2
[Check: 2I1 - I2 = 2(0.857) – (-0.286) = 2]

SUPER POSITON THEOREM

The superposition theorem states: ‘In any network made up of linear resistances and containing
more than one source of e.m.f., the resultant current flowing in any branch is the algebraic sum
of the currents that would flow in that branch if each source was considered separately, all other
sources being replaced at that time by their respective internal resistances.’

Example 1
The figure shows a circuit containing two sources of e.m.f., each with their internal resistance.
Determine the current in each branch of the network by using the superposition theorem

fig 1.4

Procedure:
1. Redraw the original circuit with source E2 removed, being replaced by r2 only, as shown
in Figure 1.5 (a).

Fig 1.5
2. Label the currents in each branch and their directions as shown in Figure 1.5(a) and
determine their values. (Note that the choice of current directions depends on the battery
 polarity, which, by convention is taken as flowing from the positive battery terminal as
shown.) R in parallel with r2 gives an equivalent resistance of

3. Redraw the original circuit with source E1 removed, being replaced by r1 only, as shown
in Figure 13.13(a).

fig 1.6
4. Label the currents in each branch and their directions as shown in Figure 13.13(a) and
determine their values. r1 in parallel with R gives an equivalent resistance of

From the equivalent circuit of Figure (b)

5. Superimpose Figure 1.6(a) on to Figure 1.5(a) as shown in Figure 1.7

 fig 1.7
6. Determine the algebraic sum of the currents flowing in each branch. Resultant current
flowing through source 1, i.e
I1 - I6 = 1.429 - 0.571 = 0.858 A (discharging)

Resultant current flowing through source 2,

i.e. I4 -I3 = 0.857 - 1.143 = −0.286 A (charging)

Resultant current flowing through resistor R, i.e.

I2 + I5 = 0.286 + 0.286 = 0.572 A

The resultant currents with their directions are shown in Figure 13.15.

fig 1.8

Example 2
For the circuit shown in Figure 1.9, find, using the superposition theorem,
(a) the current flowing in and the pd across the 18 resistor,
(b) the current in the 8 V battery and
(c) the current in the 3 V battery.
 fig 1.9

THEVENIN’S THEOREM ´
Thevenin’s theorem ´ states:
‘The current in any branch of a network is that which would result if an e.m.f. equal to the p.d.
across a break made in the branch, were introduced into the branch, all other e.m.f.’s being
removed and represented by the internal resistances of the sources.’
The procedure adopted when using Thevenin’s theorem is summarized ´ below. To determine the
current in any branch of an active network (i.e. one containing a source of e.m.f.):
(i) remove the resistance R from that branch,
(ii) determine the open-circuit voltage, E, across the break,
(iii) remove each source of e.m.f. and replace them by their internal resistances and then
determine the resistance, r, ‘looking-in’ at the break,
(iv) determine the value of the current from the equivalent circuit shown in Figure 13.27,
i.e.

Example 1
Use Thevenin’s theorem to find the current flowing ´ in the 10Ω resistor for the circuit shown in

Figure (a).
Following the above procedure:

(i) The 10Ω resistance is removed from the circuit as shown in Figure 13.28
 (ii) There is no current flowing in the 5Ω resistor and current I1 is given by:

P.d. across R2 = I1R2 = 1 X 8 = 8 V

Hence p.d. across AB, i.e. the open-circuit voltage across the break, E = 8 V.

(iii) Removing the source of e.m.f. gives the circuit of Figure 13.28(c).

(iv) The equivalent Thevenin’s circuit is shown in Figure 13.28(d). ´

Hence the current flowing in the 10 resistor of Figure 28(a) is 0.482 A

EXERCISE
1. For the network shown in Figure 13.29(a) determine the current in the 0.8Ω resistor using
Thevenin’s theorem.(1.5 A)

2. Use Thevenin’s theorem to determine the current ´ I flowing in the 4Ω resistor shown in
Figure 13.30(a). Find also the power dissipated in the 4Ωresistor.
 NORTON’S THEOREM
Norton’s theorem states:
‘The current that flows in any branch of a network is the same as that which would flow
in the branch if it were connected across a source of electrical energy, the short-circuit
current of which is equal to the current that would flow in a short-circuit across the
branch, and the internal resistance of which is equal to the resistance which appears
across the open-circuited branch terminals.’ The procedure adopted when using Norton’s
theorem is summarized below. To determine the current flowing in a resistance R of a
branch AB of an active network:
(i) short-circuit branch AB
(ii) determine the short-circuit current ISC flowing in the branch
(iii) remove all sources of e.m.f. and replace them by their internal resistance (or, if a
current source exists, replace with an opencircuit), then determine the resistance
r,‘looking-in’ at a break made between A and B
(iv) determine the current I flowing in resistance R from the Norton equivalent
network shown in Figure 13.33, i.e.

EXAMPLE 1
Use Norton’s theorem to determine the current flowing in the 10 resistance for the circuit
shown in Figure 13.34(a)

Following the above procedure:

(i) The branch containing the 10 resistance is short-circuited as shown in Figure
13.34(b).

(ii) Figure 13.34(c) is equivalent to Figure 13.34(b).

Hence ISC = 10/2 = 5 A
(iii) If the 10 V source of e.m.f. is removed from Figure 13.34(b) the resistance
‘looking-in’ at a break made between A and B is given by:

(iv) From the Norton equivalent network shown in Figure 13.34(d) the current in the 10
resistance, by current division, is given by:

as obtained previously in problem 7 using The venin’s theorem.

 MAGNETIC FIELDS
A permanent magnet is a piece of ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel or cobalt) which has
properties of attracting other pieces of these materials. A permanent magnet will position itself in
a north and south direction when freely suspended. The north-seeking end of the magnet is called
the north pole, N, and the south-seeking end the south pole, S. The area around a magnet is called
the magnetic field and it is in this area that the effects of the magnetic force produced by the
magnet can be detected. A magnetic field cannot be seen, felt, smelt or heard and therefore is
difficult to represent. Michael Faraday suggested that the magnetic field could be represented
pictorially, by imagining the field to consist of lines of magnetic flux, which enables investigation
of the distribution and density of the field to be carried out. The distribution of a magnetic field
can be investigated by using some iron filings. A bar magnet is placed on a flat surface covered by,
say, cardboard, upon which is sprinkled some iron filings. If the cardboard is gently tapped the
filings will assume a pattern similar to that shown in Figure 7.1.

If a number of magnets of different strength are used, it is found that the stronger the field the
closer are the lines of magnetic flux and vice versa. Thus a magnetic field has the property of
exerting a force, demonstrated in this case by causing the iron filings to move into the pattern
shown. The strength of the magnetic field decreases as we move away from the magnet. It should
be realized, of course, that the magnetic field is three dimensional in its effect, and not acting in
one plane as appears to be the case in this experiment. If a compass is placed in the magnetic field
in various positions, the direction of the lines of flux may be determined by noting the direction of
the compass pointer. The direction of a magnetic field at any point is taken as that in which the
north-seeking pole of a compass needle points when suspended in the field. The direction of a line
of flux is from the north pole to the south pole on the outside of the magnet and is then assumed
to continue through the magnet back to the point at which it emerged at the north pole. Thus
such lines of flux always form complete closed loops or paths, they never intersect and always
have a definite direction. The laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion can be demonstrated by
using two bar magnets.
 In Figure 7.2(a), with unlike poles adjacent, attraction takes place. Lines of flux are imagined to
contract and the magnets try to pull together. The magnetic field is strongest in between the two
magnets, shown by the lines of flux being close together. In Figure 7.2(b), with similar poles
adjacent (i.e. two north poles), repulsion occurs, i.e. the two north poles try to push each other
apart, since magnetic flux lines running side by side in the same direction repel.

Magnetic flux and flux density

Magnetic flux is the amount of magnetic field (or the number of lines of force) produced by a
magnetic source. The symbol for magnetic flux is φ (Greek letter ‘phi’). The unit of magnetic flux is
the weber, Wb Magnetic flux density is the amount of flux passing through a defined area that is
perpendicular to the direction of the flux:

The symbol for magnetic flux density is B. The unit of magnetic flux density is the tesla, T, where 1
T = 1 Wb/m2 Hence:

Example 1. A magnetic pole face has a rectangular section having dimensions 200 mm by 100
mm. If the total flux emerging from the pole is 150 µWb, calculate the flux density.

Example 2. The maximum working flux density of a lifting electromagnet is 1.8 T and the effective area
of a pole face is circular in cross-section. If the total magnetic flux produced is 353 mWb, determine the
radius of the pole face.
 Magnetic field due to an electric current

Magnetic fields can be set up not only by permanent magnets, as shown in Chapter 7, but also
by electric currents. Let a piece of wire be arranged to pass vertically through a horizontal sheet of
cardboard, on which is placed some iron filings, as shown in Figure 8.1(a). If a current is now passed
through the wire, then the iron filings will form a definite circular field pattern with the wire at the
centre, when the cardboard is gently tapped. By placing a compass in different positions the lines of flux
are seen to have a definite direction as shown in Figure 8.1(b). If the current direction is reversed, the
direction of the lines of flux is also reversed. The effect on both the iron filings and the compass needle
disappears when the current is switched off. The magnetic field is thus produced by the electric current.
The magnetic flux produced has the same properties as the flux produced by a permanent magnet. If the
current is increased the strength of the field increases and, as for the permanent magnet, the field
strength decreases as we move away from the current carrying conductor.

In Figure 8.1, the effect of only a small part of the magnetic field is shown. If the whole length of
the conductor is similarly investigated it is found that the magnetic field around a straight conductor is in
the form of concentric cylinders as shown in Figure 8.2, the field direction depending on the direction of
the current flow. When dealing with magnetic fields formed by electric current it is usual to portray the
effect as shown in Figure 8.3. The convention adopted is:

(i) Current flowing away from the viewer, i.e. into the paper, is indicated by ʘ. This may be
thought of as the feathered end of the shaft of an arrow. See Figure 8.3(a). (ii) Current flowing towards
the viewer, i.e. out of the paper, is indicated by þ. This may be thought of as the point of an arrow. See
Figure 8.3(b).