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Mesh Current Notes

The mesh-current method is used to write KVL equations in planar circuits using defined mesh currents. The procedure involves defining clockwise mesh currents, writing KVL equations, and handling current sources with supermesh treatment. Common pitfalls include incorrect voltage signs and neglecting supermesh when current sources are present between meshes.

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28 views2 pages

Mesh Current Notes

The mesh-current method is used to write KVL equations in planar circuits using defined mesh currents. The procedure involves defining clockwise mesh currents, writing KVL equations, and handling current sources with supermesh treatment. Common pitfalls include incorrect voltage signs and neglecting supermesh when current sources are present between meshes.

Uploaded by

chenlianghan1688
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Mesh (Loop) Current Method – Colored Notes

The mesh-current method writes KVL equations using loop currents in planar circuits. It is
efficient when loops < nodes.

Key Formulas / Laws


 Planar circuits only; define mesh currents i1, i2, ... (clockwise by default).
 Shared element R3 drop depends on (i1−i2).
 Current sources require supermesh treatment.

Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Define clockwise mesh currents.
2. Write KVL per mesh; shared elements use difference of mesh currents.
3. If a current source lies on a border between meshes, form a supermesh and add source
constraint.

Worked Example
For the figure: Mesh 1: +Vs − R1·i1 − R3·(i1−i2) = 0; Mesh 2: −R3·(i2−i1) − R2·i2 = 0.

Solve the 2×2 linear system for i1, i2; then compute branch currents.

Common Pitfalls & Checks


 Wrong sign for shared element voltage (i1−i2 vs i2−i1).
 Forgetting supermesh when a current source is between two meshes.
 Applying to non-planar networks.
Practice Problems (Answers)
(1) Vs=10V, R1=2Ω, R2=3Ω, R3=1Ω: find i1, i2.

Ans: Solve linear system ⇒ i1≈2.14A, i2≈1.43A

(2) Replace Vs with current source 2A upward: write supermesh equations.

Ans: Supermesh KVL around outer loop + constraint i1−i2=2A.

References
Alexander & Sadiku, Fundamentals of Electric Circuits.

Nilsson & Riedel, Electric Circuits.

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