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Let's continue writing the equation. The next element, which is also the last element, is R3 . Without further
thinking we can say that the term associated with this element is R3(I1I3) . (Why?)
VS+R1(I1I2)+R3(I1I3)=0 .
The equation for Mesh I is done. The next mesh is Mesh II. But wait! what is the voltage across the current
source to write in the mesh KVL equation? We don't know. There are two ways to resolve this issue:
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Assign a voltage to the current source ( VIS ). Write equations using VIS and later add
equations of Mesh II and III to get rid of VIS .
Write the equation for the Supermesh II & III.
A supermesh is a larger loop which has both meshes inside.
Let's try both methods.
1) Using VIS
Mesh II:
R1(I2I1)+R2(I2)VIS=0
Note that for R1 , unlike the equation for Mesh I, the
current is I2I1 . This is because we are walking around
the loop with the direction of I2 , or briefly it is because
we are writing the equation for mesh of I2 .
Mesh III:
R3(I3I1)+VIS+R4(I3)=0 .
Let's add two equations:
R1(I2I1)+R2(I2)VIS+R3(I3I1)+VIS+R4(I3)=0+0
Simplifying:
R1(I2I1)+R2(I2)+R3(I3I1)+R4(I3)=0
2) Supermesh
Here is the supermesh:
Around the loop clockwise:
R1(I2I1)+R2(I2)+R4(I3)+R3(I3I1)=0 .
As you can see, we were able to write the equation in
one shot. That is why the supermesh method is
preferred.
Now, we have two equations: one for Mesh I and one for
the supermesh. But there are three unknowns: I1 , I2
and I3 . So we need another equation. The third
equation comes from the current source by writing KCL
one of its nodes. We choose the node which is not
shared by third loop which is the loop at the right hand
side for this example. This way we minimize the number
of terms in the equation. Note that the current of R2 and R4 are I2 and I3 , respectively, but the terms for
R2 and R3 are more complicated because of I1 involvement.
Let's apply KCL for the right hand side node. I2 and IS are entering to the node and I3 is leaving.
I2IS+I3=0
Now we have all three equations:
VS+R1(I1I2)+R3(I1I3)=0R1(I2I1)+R2(I2)+R4(I3)+R3(I3I1)=0I2IS+I3=0
Let's substitute values:
VS=10V , IS=4A , R1=2 , R2=6 , R3=1 , R4=2 .
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2(I1I2)+(I1I3)=102(I2I1)+6I2+2I3+I3I1=0I2+I3=4
3I12I2I3=103I1+8I2+3I3=0I2+I3=4
4.9166
I1=4.92AI2=0.25AI3=4.25A
The circuit is solved. Any other voltage or current in the circuit can be easily found using mesh currents.
To find power of sources, we need current of the voltage source and voltage across the current source.
For the voltage source, current is equal to I1 as it is located at the unshared part of Mesh I. The current is
entering from the negative terminal. Therefore, the active sign convention should be used to find the sign
of power:
PVS=VSI1=49.2W<0 (supplying power).
Take a look here if you are would like to know how power of independent sources should be calculated.
For the current source, the voltage is VIS and can be calculated by KVL equation of mesh II:
R1(I2I1)+R2(I2)VIS=0
VIS=2(0.254.92)+60.25=7.84V
Here, the current is entering from the positive terminal. So, the passive sign convention should be used:
PIS=VISIS=7.844=31.36W<0 (supplying power).
Now, it is on you to find the power of all resistors and validate that the power conservation law is satisfied.
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