Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

I. OVERVIEW

Now that you understood the fundamental laws of circuit theory-Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s
laws, you are now prepared to apply these laws to develop one of the powerful techniques
for circuit analysis: mesh analysis. Mesh analysis applies KVL to obtain a set of
simultaneous equations that are then solved to obtain the required values of mesh currents.
Along with the sample problems for the two cases of mesh analysis, methods of solving
simultaneous equations such as Cramer’s rule were also discussed.

II. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

▪ Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage laws (KVL) to mesh-current analysis

▪ Apply Mesh analysis laws to circuit analysis.

III. CONTENT
A. PREPARATORY ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY 3.3: So, you want a short-cut technique?

We do not need to apply KCL to each node to obtain the node-voltage equations provided that
all sources in a circuit are independent current sources. Let us re-examine Figure 3.3 of
Illustration 3.1.

Figure 3.3: From illustration 3.1

We can obtain the equations by mere inspection of the circuit. The circuit has two nonreference
nodes and the node equations were in terms of conductances were

𝑮𝟏 + 𝑮𝟐 −𝑮𝟐 𝑣1 𝐼 − 𝐼2
[ ] [𝑣 ] = [ 1 ] 𝐸𝑞. 3.8
−𝑮𝟐 𝑮𝟏 + 𝑮𝟑 2 𝐼2

Observe that each of the diagonal terms is the sum of the conductances connected directly to
node 1 or 2, while the off-diagonal terms are the negatives of the conductances connected
between the nodes. Also, each term on the right-hand side of Eq. 3.8 is the algebraic sum of
the currents entering the node.

In general, if a circuit with independent current sources has N nonreference nodes, the node-
voltage equations can be written in terms of the conductances as

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

𝐺11 … 𝐺1𝑁 𝑣1 𝑖1
[ ⋮ ⋱ ⋮ ][ ⋮ ] = [ ⋮ ] 𝐸𝑞. 3.9
𝐺𝑁1 … 𝐺𝑁𝑁 𝑣2 𝑖2

or simply

𝐺𝑣 = 𝑖 𝐸𝑞. 3.9.1

where

𝐺𝑘𝑘 = Sum of conductances connected to node k

𝐺𝑘𝑗 = 𝐺𝑗𝑘 = Negative of the sum of the conductances directly connecting nodes k and j, 𝑘 ≠ 𝑗

𝑣𝑘 = Unknown voltage at node k

𝑖𝑘 = Sum of all independent current sources directly connected to node k, with currents
entering the node treated as positive

G is called the conductance matrix; v is the output vector; and i is the input vector. Equation
3.9 can be solved to obtain the unknown node voltages. Keep in mind that this is valid for circuits
with only independent current sources and linear resistors.

Write the node-voltage matrix equations for the circuit in Figure 3.15 by
inspection.

Figure 3.15: For activity 3.3

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

B. DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITY

ABSTRACTION

Read the following discussions on Mesh Analysis.

Mesh Analysis with Voltage Sources

Mesh analysis provides another general procedure for analyzing circuits, using mesh currents as
the circuit variables. Using mesh currents instead of element currents as circuit variables is
convenient and reduces the number of equations that must be solved simultaneously. Recall
that a loop is a closed path with no node passed more than once. A mesh is a loop that does not
contain any other loop within it.

Figure 3.16: A circuit with two meshes.

In Figure 3.16, for example, paths abefa and bcdeb are meshes, but path abcdefa is not a mesh.
The current through a mesh is known as mesh current. In mesh analysis, we are interested in
applying KVL to find the mesh currents in a given circuit. For a circuit with n meshes, we take
the following three steps.

Steps to Determine Mesh Currents:

1. Assign mesh currents 𝑖1 , 𝑖2,…, 𝑣𝑛 to the 𝑛 meshes.

2. Apply KVL to each of the 𝑛 meshes. Use Ohm’s law to express the voltages
in terms of the mesh currents.
3. Solve the resulting 𝑛 simultaneous equations to get the mesh currents.

To illustrate the steps, consider the circuit in Figure 3.16. The first step requires that mesh
currents and are assigned to meshes 1 and 2. Although a mesh current may be assigned to each
mesh in an arbitrary direction, it is conventional to assume that each mesh current flows
clockwise.

As the second step, we apply KVL to each mesh. Applying KVL to mesh 1, we obtain

−𝑉1 + 𝑅1 𝑖1 + 𝑅3 (𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) = 0

or
(𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐 )𝒊𝟏 − 𝑹𝟑 𝒊𝟐 = 𝑽𝟏 𝑬𝒒. 𝟑. 𝟏𝟎

For mesh 2, applying KVL gives

𝑅2 𝑖2 + 𝑉2 + 𝑅3 (𝑖2 − 𝑖1 ) = 0

or
−𝑹𝟑 𝒊𝟏 + (𝑹𝟐 + 𝑹𝟑 )𝒊𝟐 = −𝑽𝟐 𝑬𝒒. 𝟑. 𝟏𝟏

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

Note in Eq. 3.10 that the coefficient of 𝑖1 is the sum of the resistances in the first mesh, while
the coefficient of 𝑖2 is the negative of the resistance common to meshes 1 and 2. Now observe
that the same is true in Eq. 3.11. This can serve as a shortcut way of writing the mesh equations.

The third step is to solve for the mesh currents. Putting Eqs. 3.10 and 3.11 in matrix form yields

𝑅 + 𝑅3 −𝑅3 𝑖 𝑉
[ 1 ] [ 1] = [ 1 ] 𝐸𝑞. 3.12
−𝑅3 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 𝑖2 −𝑉2

which can be solved to obtain the mesh currents 𝑖1 and 𝑖2 . We are at liberty to use any technique
for solving the simultaneous equations.

Notice that the branch currents are different from the mesh currents unless the mesh is isolated.
To distinguish between the two types of currents, we use 𝑖 for a mesh current and 𝐼 for a branch
current. The current elements 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 , and 𝐼3 are algebraic sums of the mesh currents. It is evident
from FigURE 3.16 that

𝐼1 = 𝑖1 , 𝐼2 = 𝑖2 , 𝐼3 = 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 𝐸𝑞. 3.13

Illustration 3.4: Mesh Analysis with Voltage Sources

For the circuit in Figure 3.17, find the branch currents and using mesh analysis.

Figure 3.17: For illustration 3.4

Solution:
We first obtain the mesh currents using KVL. For mesh 1,

−15 + 5𝑖1 + 10(𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) + 10 = 0

or
𝟑𝒊𝟏 − 𝟐𝒊𝟐 = 𝟏 𝑬𝒒. 𝒂
For mesh 2,
6𝑖2 + 4𝑖2 + 10(𝑖2 − 𝑖2 ) − 10 = 0

𝒊𝟏 − 𝟐𝒊𝟐 = −𝟏 𝑬𝒒. 𝒃

To use Cramer’s rule, we cast Eqs. a and b in matrix form as

3 −2 𝑖1 1
[ ][ ] = [ ]
1 −2 𝑖2 −1

Obtain the determinants

3 −2 𝟏 −2 3 𝟏
𝐷=[ ] = −6 − (−2) = −4; 𝐷1 = [ ] = −2 − (2) = −4; 𝐷2 = [ ] = −3 − (1) = −4
1 −2 −𝟏 −2 1 −𝟏
Thus,

𝐷1 −4 𝐷2 −4
𝑖1 = = = 𝟏 𝑨; 𝑖2 = = =𝟏𝑨
𝐷 −4 𝐷 −4

Answers: 𝒊𝟏 = 𝟏 𝑨, 𝒊𝟐 = 𝟏 𝑨

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

Illustration 3.5: Mesh Analysis with Voltage Sources

Use mesh analysis to find the current 𝐼𝑜 in the circuit of Figure 3.18.

Figure 3.18: For illustration 3.5

Solution:

We apply KVL to the three meshes in turn. For mesh 1,

−24 + 10(𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) + 12(𝑖1 − 𝑖3 ) = 0

or
𝟏𝟏𝒊𝟏 − 𝟓𝒊𝟐 − 𝟔𝒊𝟑 = 𝟏𝟐 𝑬𝒒. 𝒂

For mesh 2,
24𝑖2 + 4(𝑖2 − 𝑖3 ) + 10(𝑖2 − 𝑖1 ) = 0
or
−𝟓𝒊𝟏 + 𝟏𝟗𝒊𝟐 − 𝟐𝒊𝟑 = 𝟎 𝑬𝒒. 𝒃
For mesh 3,
4𝐼𝑜 + 12(𝑖3 − 𝑖1 ) + 4(𝑖3 − 𝑖2 ) = 0

But at node A, 𝐼𝑜 = 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 , substitute

4(𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) + 12(𝑖3 − 𝑖1 ) + 4(𝑖3 − 𝑖2 ) = 0
or
−𝒊𝟏 − 𝒊𝟐 + 𝟐𝒊𝟑 = 𝟎 𝑬𝒒. 𝒄
In matrix from, Eqs. a, b and c become

11 −5 −6 𝑖1 12
[−5 19 −2] [𝑖2 ] = [ 0 ]
−1 −1 2 𝑖3 0

11 −5 −6 𝟏𝟐 −5 −6
𝐷 = [−5 19 −2] = 418 − 30 − 10 − 114 − 22 − 50 = 192; 𝐷1 = [ 𝟎 19 −2] = 456 − 24 = 432
−1 −1 2 𝟎 −1 2

11 𝟏𝟐 −6 11 −5 𝟏𝟐
𝐷2 = [−5 𝟎 −2] = 24 + 120 = 144; 𝐷3 = [−5 19 𝟎 ] = 60 + 228 = 288
−1 𝟎 2 −1 −1 𝟎

We calculate the mesh currents using Cramer’s rule as

𝐷1 432 𝐷2 144 𝐷3 288

𝑖1 = = = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 𝑨; 𝑖2 = = = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 𝑨; 𝑖3 = = = 𝟏. 𝟓 𝑨
𝐷 192 𝐷 192 𝐷 192

Thus,
𝐼𝑜 = 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 = 2.25 − 0.75 = 𝟏. 𝟓 𝑨

Answer: 𝑰𝒐 = 𝟏. 𝟓𝑨

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

Mesh Analysis with Current Sources

Applying mesh analysis to circuits containing current sources (dependent or independent) is
much easier than what we encountered in the previous section, because the presence of the
current sources reduces the number of equations. Consider the following two possible cases.

Case 1: When a current source exists only in one mesh

Consider the circuit in Figure 3.19. We set 𝑖2 = 5 𝐴 and write a mesh equation for the other mesh
in the usual way; that is,

−10 + 4𝑖1 + 6(𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) = 0

𝑖1 = −2 𝐴

Figure 3.19: A circuit with a current

source.

Case 2: When a current source exists between two meshes

Consider the circuit in Figure 3.20 (a). We create a supermesh by excluding the current source
and any elements connected in series with it, as shown in Figure 3.20 (b). Thus,

(a) (b)

Figure 3.20: (a) Two meshes having a current source in common,

(b) a supermesh, created by excluding the current source.

A supermesh results when two meshes have a (dependent or independent)

current source in common.

Applying KVL to the supermesh in Figure 3.20 (b)

−20 + 6𝑖1 + 10𝑖2 + 4𝑖2 = 0

or
6𝑖1 + 14𝑖2 = 20 𝐸𝑞. 3.14

We apply KCL to a node in the branch where the two meshes intersect. Applying KCL to node 0
in Figure 3.10 (a) gives

𝑖2 = 𝑖1 + 6 𝐸𝑞. 3.15

Solving Eqs. 3.14 and 3.15, we get

𝑖1 = −3.2 𝐴, 𝑖2 = 2.8 𝐴

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

Note the following properties of a supermesh:

1. The current source in the supermesh provides the constraint equation

necessary to solve for the mesh currents.
2. A supermesh has no current of its own.
3. A supermesh requires the application of both KVL and KCL.

Illustration 3.6: Mesh Analysis with Current Sources

For the circuit in Fig. 3.24, find 𝑖1 to 𝑖4 using mesh analysis.

Figure 3.21: (a) For illustration 3.6

Solution:

Note that meshes 1 and 2 form a supermesh since they have an independent current source in
common. Also, meshes 2 and 3 form another supermesh because they have a dependent current
source in common. The two supermeshes intersect and form a larger supermesh as shown.
Applying KVL to the larger supermesh,

2𝑖1 + 4𝑖3 + 8(𝑖3 − 𝑖4 ) + 6𝑖2 = 0

or 𝒊𝟏 + 𝟑𝒊𝟐 + 𝟔𝒊𝟑 − 𝟒𝒊𝟒 = 𝟎 𝑬𝒒. 𝒂

For the independent current source, we apply KCL to node P:

𝒊𝟐 = 𝒊𝟏 + 𝟓 𝑬𝒒. 𝒃

For the dependent current source, we apply KCL to node Q:

𝑖2 = 𝑖3 + 3𝐼𝑜

But 𝐼𝑜 = −𝑖4 , hence, 𝒊𝟐 = 𝒊𝟑 − 𝟑𝒊𝟒 𝑬𝒒. 𝒄

Applying KVL in mesh 4,

2𝑖4 + 8(𝑖4 − 𝑖3 ) + 10 = 0

or 𝟓𝒊𝟒 − 𝟒𝒊𝟑 = −𝟓 𝑬𝒒. 𝒅

From Eqs. a to d, 𝒊𝟏 = −𝟕. 𝟓 𝑨, 𝒊𝟐 = −𝟐. 𝟓 𝑨, 𝒊𝟑 = 𝟑. 𝟗𝟑 𝑨, 𝒊𝟒 = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟒𝟑 𝑨

Answers: 𝒊𝟏 = −𝟕. 𝟓 𝑨, 𝒊𝟐 = −𝟐. 𝟓 𝑨, 𝒊𝟑 = 𝟑. 𝟗𝟑 𝑨, 𝒊𝟒 = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟒𝟑 𝑨

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

C. CLOSURE ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY 3.4: It is easier than you think!

Similarly, we can obtain mesh-current equations by inspection when a linear resistive circuit has
only independent voltage sources. Consider the circuit in Figure 3.16, shown again in Figure
3.22 for convenience.

Figure 3.22: The circuit of Figure 3.16

The circuit has two nonreference nodes and the node equations derived in Eq. 3.12 is

𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟑 −𝑹𝟑 𝑖 𝑉
[ ] [ 1] = [ 1 ] 𝐸𝑞. 3.12
−𝑹𝟑 𝑹𝟐 + 𝑹𝟑 𝑖2 −𝑉2

Notice that each of the diagonal terms is the sum of the resistances in the related mesh, while
each of the off-diagonal terms is the negative of the resistance common to meshes 1 and 2.
Each term on the right-hand side of Eq. 3.12 is the algebraic sum taken clockwise of all
independent voltage sources in the related mesh.

In general, if the circuit has N meshes, the mesh-current equations can be expressed in terms
of the resistances as

𝑹𝟏𝟏 ⋯ 𝑹𝟏𝑵 𝒊𝟏 𝒗𝟏
[ ⋮ ⋱ ⋮ ][ ⋮ ] = [ ⋮ ] 𝑬𝒒. 𝟑. 𝟏𝟔
𝑹𝑵𝟏 ⋯ 𝑹𝑵𝑵 𝒊𝟐 𝒗𝟐

or simply

𝑹𝒊 = 𝒗 𝑬𝒒. 𝟑. 𝟏𝟔. 𝟏

where

𝑅𝑘𝑘 = Sum of the resistances in mesh k

𝑅𝑘𝑗 = 𝑅𝑗𝑘 = Negative of the sum of the resistances in common with meshes k and j, 𝑘 ≠ 𝑗

𝑖𝑘 = Unknown mesh current for mesh k in the clockwise direction

𝑣𝑘 = Sum taken clockwise of all independent voltage sources in mesh k, with voltage rise
treated as positive

R is called the resistance matrix; i is the output vector; and v is the input vector.

By inspection, write the mesh-current equations for the circuit in Figure 3.23.

Figure 3.22: For activity 3.4

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

IV. SYNTHESIS

Remember

✓ Mesh analysis is the application of Kirchhoff’s voltage law around meshes in a planar
circuit. We express the result in terms of mesh currents. Solving the simultaneous
equations yields the mesh currents.

✓ A supermesh consists of two meshes that have a (dependent or independent) current

source in common.

V. EVALUATION

ASSESSMENT 3.1

The tests in this section aims to assess if the objectives of the modules are attained,
if you are now able to apply Kirchhoff’s voltage laws (KVL) to mesh-current analysis.

Submission of the electronic copy of answer sheets will be on day 4 of week 7 of the
class. Please note that the output must only be submitted through MS Teams class in
EEP 213 where you are designated. Also, due date was already assigned in this ‘class
assignment in MS Teams, therefore late submission will not be accepted in the said
application.

A. Problem Solving: Mesh Analysis with Voltage Sources

Solve the following problems neatly and completely.

1. Find 𝑣𝑜 in the circuit in Figure 2.23.

Figure 3.23: For problem 1

2. For the bridge network in Figure 3.24, find 𝑖𝑜 using mesh analysis.

Figure 3.24: For problem 2

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

3. Apply mesh analysis to find 𝑖 in Figure 3.25.

Figure 3.25: For problem 3

B. Problem Solving: Mesh Analysis with Current Sources

Solve the following problems neatly and completely.

4. Apply mesh analysis to the circuit in Figure 3.26 and obtain 𝐼𝑜 .

Figure 3.26: For problem 4

5. Use mesh analysis to find 𝑣1 , 𝑣2 , and 𝑣3 in the circuit in Figure 3.27.

Figure 3.27: For problem 5

6. Find the mesh currents in the circuit of Figure 3.28.

Figure 3.28: For problem 6

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Chapter 3 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

VI. ASSIGNMENT

Survey the first circuit theorem used for more-complex circuit analysis- Superposition.

VII. REFERENCES

• Alexander, C. K., & Sadiku, M. N. . (2004). Fundamentals of Electric Circuits. McGraw-

Hill.
• Svoboda, J. A., & Dorf, R. C. (2014). Introduction to Electric Circuits. In European Journal
of Engineering Education (9th ed., Vol. 18, Issue 4). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03043799308928170
• Santiago Jr., J. M. (2013). Circuit Analysis for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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