Experiment No.

3
Mesh Analysis

Objectives
The activity aims to:

1.Gain increased understanding of the applications of mesh analysis.

2. Measure the voltages and currents present in the circuit using Mesh
analysis.
3. Verify, by measurements the computed theoretical values of resistance,
voltage and current.

Materials
12v DC Supply 50 Ω Resistor

62 Ω Resistor DC Ohmmeter

10 Ω Resistor DC Voltmeter

20 Ω Resistor DC Ammeter

40 Ω Resistor

Discussion
Mesh analysis applies KVL to find unknown currents. The term mesh is
derived from the similarities in appearance between the closed loops of a
network and a wire mesh fence. It is only applicable to planar circuits (a
circuit that can be drawn on a plane with no branches crossing each
other). To solve an N mesh circuit, a set of N simultaneous equations is
needed. There are several ways to derive a solution (i.e. Matrix algebra).
Essentially, the mesh-analysis approach simply eliminates the need
to
substitute the results of Kirchhoff's current law into the equations derived
from Kirchhoff's voltage law. It is accomplished in the initial writing of the
equations.The systematic approach outlined below should be followed
when applying this method:
1. Assign a distinct current in the clockwise direction to each independent,
closed loop of the network. It is not absolutely necessary to choose the
clockwise direction for each loop current. In fact, any direction can be
chosen for each loop current with no loss in accuracy, as long as the
remaining steps are followed properly. However, by choosing the
clockwise direction as a standard, it can develop a short method for
wiring the required equations, which will save time and possibly prevent
some common errors.

2. Indicate the polarities within each loop for each resistor as determined
by the assumed direction of loop current for that loop. Note the
requirement that the polarities should be placed within each loop.

3. Kirchhoff's voltage law around each closed loop in the clockwise

direction. Again, the clockwise direction is chosen to establish uniformity
and prepare them for the method to be introduced in the next section.

a. If a resistor has two or more assumed currents through it, the total
current through the resistor is the assumed current of the loop in which
Kirchhoff's voltage law is being applied. Include the assumed currents
of the other loops passing through in the same direction, minus the
assumed currents through in the opposite direction.
b. The polarity of a voltage source is unaffected by the direction of the
assigned loop currents.

4. Solve the resulting simultaneous linear equations for the assumed loop
currents.
Example:

Apply KVL to each mesh

Mesh 1: u u u u t

Mesh 2: u u u t

Mesh 3: u u u t

Mesh 4: u u u u t

Express the voltage in terms of the mesh currents:

Mesh 1: u ꃸ t

Mesh 2: ꃸ t

Mesh 3: u t

Mesh 4: u ꃸ t

What happens if there are independent current sources in the circuit?

1. Assume the voltage across each current source is known.

2. Write the mesh equations with only independent or dependent voltage

sources.
3. Express the curent of each independent current source in terms o he
mesh currents.
4. Rewrite the equations with all unknown mesh currents on the left hand
side of the equality and all known voltages on the right hand side of the
equality.

Procedure

a) Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 3.17

Figure 3.17

To connect the circuit, first connect the teminal (black) of a and

teminal (red) of 500 to the teminal (red) of DC source. Connect the 20 Ω a
ofterminal (black) and 62 Ω teminal (black) to the terminal (black) of DC
source. Then, connect the terminal (red) of 20Ω and terminal (black) or
10Ω to the teminal (black) of 50Ω. Lastly, connect the terminal (red) or
620 and the terminal (red) of 100 to the terminal (red) of 40.

b) Measure the mesh currents by inserting an ammeter as shown in Figure

3.18.

Figure 3.18
c) To measure the mesh current transfer the all the connections from the
100 terminal (black) to the terminal (black) of the DC Ammeter, and
connect the terminal (black) of 100 to the terminal (red) of the DC
Ammeter. Turn on the circuit breaker then turn on the DC Source. Measure
and record the current reading. Turn off the DC Source then the circuit
breaker and return to original connection. Repeat the step and 62Ω.

d) Measure the current through each resistor.

To measure current at R1, transfer the all the connections from the 10Ω
to the terminal (black) of the DC Ammeter, and connect
the terminal (black) of 10 Ω to the terminal (red) of the DC Ammeter. Turn
on the circuit breaker then turn on the DC Source. Measure and record
the Current reading. Turn off the Dc Source then the circuit breaker and
rerun to original connection. Repeat the step on R2, R4 and R5.

To measure current at R3, transfer the all the connections from the 40Ω
terminal (black) to the terminal (red) of the DC Ammeter and connect the
terminal (black) of 10 Ω to the terminal (black) of the DC Ammeter. Turn
on the circuit breaker then turn on the DC Source. Measure and record
the Current reading. Turn off the DC Source then the circuit breaker and
return to original connection.

e) Measure the voltages V1, V2, V4 and V5. To measure the voltage of
each component, connect the terminal (red) of the voltmeter to the
terminal (red) of the component, and the terminal (black) of the
voltmeter to the terminal (red) of the component. Turn on the circuit
breaker then turn on the DC Source. Measure and record the voltage
reading. Turn off the DC Source then the circuit breaker and return to
original connection. Repeat the step for the next component to be
measured.

To measure the voltage V3, connect the terminal (red) of the voltmeter
the terminal (black) of the component and the terminal (black) of the
voltmeter to the terminal (red) of thee component. Turn
breaker then turn on the DC Source. Measure and record the voltage
reading. Turn off the DC Source then the circuit breaker and return
original connection.

f) Solve for the mesh currents I1, l2, I3,voltage and current througn e each
esistor. Assume the direction of the mesh currents. Compute for %
difference of the measured and calculated values.

Data and Analysis

I1 I2 I3 IR1 IR2 IR3 IR4 IR5

Calculated

Measured

% Difference

COMPUTATION

VR1 VR2 VR3 VR4 VR5

Calculated

Measured

% Difference

COMPUTATION

Analysis
Circuit Design

1. Design a circuit given the following conditions:

Mesh No. 1 u ꃸ t

Mesh No. 2 u ꃸ t

Mesh No. 3 ꃸ t

Use 10 Ω, 20 Ω, 30 Ω, 40 Ω and 50 Ω resistor with a 12v dc source.

Problem

1. Find Vx and mesh currents in Figure 3.19.

Figure 3.19
2. Solve for the mesh currents in Figure 3.20.

Figure 3.20