Title: Study of Mesh Analysis and Nodal Analysis

Introduction:
The mesh and nodal analysis techniques are used to solve complex networks, which are not in
series or in parallel. The mesh analysis techniques will determine the current of the network,
while the nodal analysis approach will provide the potential levels of the nodes of the networks
with respect to some reference. The application of each technique follows a sequence of steps,
each of which will result in a set of equations for the various variables, whether they are current
or voltage.
The purpose of this experiment is:
To demonstrate the validity of the mesh analysis and nodal analysis technique through
experimental measurements.To observe the difference between the measured values and the
calculated values.
Theory and Methodology:
i) Mesh analysis: The term mesh is derived from the similarities in appearance between the
closed loop of a network and a wire mesh fence. A loop current is a branch current only when it
is the only loop current assigned to that branch. There are five steps to the mesh current which
are given below (format approach)
A) Assign a loop current to each independent, closed loop in a clockwise direction.
b) The number of required equations is equal to the number of chosen independent, closed loops.
Column 1 of each equation is formed by summing the resistance values of those resistors through
which the loop current of interest passes and multiplying the result by that loop current.
c) The mutual terms must be considered which are always subtracted from the first column. A
mutual term is simply any resistive element having an additional loop current passing through it.
It is possible to have more than one mutual term if the loop current of interest has an element in
common with more than one other loop current. Each term is the product of the mutual resistor
and the other loop current passing through the same element.
D) The column to the right of the equality sign is the algebraic sum of the voltage sources
through which the loop current of interest passes. Positive signs are assigned to those sources of
voltage having a polarity such that the loop current passes from the negative to the positive
terminal. A negative sign is assigned to those potentials for which the reverse is true.
e) Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the desired loop currents. [The format approach
can be applied only to networks in which all current sources have been converted to their
equivalent voltage source.]
ii) Nodal analysis: A node is a junction of two or more branches, where a branch is any
combination of series elements. For a network of N nodes, therefore there will existed (N-1)
nodes with a fixed potential relative to the assigned reference node. There are five steps to the
node voltages which are given below (format approach) [1].
A) Choose a reference node and assign a subscripted voltage label to the (N–1) remaining nodes
of the network.
b) The number of equations required for a complete solution is equal to the number of
subscripted
voltages (N–1). Column 1 of each equation is formed by summing the conductance tied to the
node of interest and multiplying the result by that subscripted nodal voltage.
c) The mutual terms must be considered which are always subtracted from the first column. It is
possible to have more than one mutual term if the nodal voltage of current interest has an
element in common with more than one other nodal voltage. Each mutual term is the product of
the mutual conductance and the other nodal voltage tied to that conductance.
D) The column to the right of the equality sign is the algebraic sum of the current sources tied to
the node of interest. A current source is assigned a positive sign if it supplies current to a node
and a negative sign if it draws current from the node.
e) Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the desired voltages. [The format approach can
be applied only to networks in which all voltage sources have been converted to their equivalent
current source.]

Apparatus:
1.Trainer Board
2.Digital Multimeter
3.DC Source
4.Resistors
5.Connecting Wires
Precautions:
1.Check whether all the apparatus is working fine or not.
2.Implement the circuit carefully where necessary.
3.While connecting DC source make sure it is not shorted while placing in the trainer board.
4.Do not switch on the DC source while implementing the circuit in the trainer board.
5.While measuring voltage, Digital multimeter should be placed in parallel across the elements
of the circuit where the voltage is to be measured, multimeter should be in voltmeter mode.
6.While measuring current, Digital multimeter should be placed in series with the branch of the
circuit where the current is to be measured, multimeter should be in ammeter mode.
Circuit Diagram:

Experimental Procedure:
Connect the circuit as shown in the figure 3. Write 3 mesh equations to describe this circuit.
Calculate the current through each loop of the network from these equations. Indicate the
direction of the currents. Measure the currents I1, I2 and I3 noting the direction of each current.
Fill table 1 with necessary calculations.
Connect the circuit as shown in the figure 4. Write 3 nodal equations to describe this circuit.
Calculate the nodal voltages from these equations. Measure the nodal voltages V1, V2, V3. Fill
table 2 with necessary calculations.
Calculations:
For figure 3(mesh analysis):
R1=4.6kΩ
R2=3.8kΩ
R3=6.6kΩ
R4=2.6kΩ
R5=4.7kΩ
R6=3.25kΩ
E1=10v
E2=15v
Now
-10+9.3I1-4.7I2=0
10.55I2-2.6I3-4.7I1+15=0
13I3-2. 6I2-15=0
Now solving these equations we get,
I1=0 61(mA)
I2=0.90(mA)
I3=0.97(mA)
For figure 4(nodal analysis)
Rs=3.25kΩ
R1=4.6kΩ
R2=3.8kΩ
R3=6.6kΩ
R4=2.6kΩ
R5=4.7kΩ
E=10v
Now,
(1/Rs+1/ R1+1/R2)V1-(1/R1)v2-1/R2v3 =E/Rs
(1/R1+1/R3+1/R5)V2 –(1/R1)V1-(1/Rs)V3=0
(1/R2+1/R5+1/R4)V3-(1/R2)V1-(1/R5)V2=0
Now solving these equations we get,
V1=5.48v
V2=2.83v
V3=2.3v

Simulation:
For figure- 3:
 For figure-4:

Data Table:
Table-1 (For Figure 3):
Value of Resistors: R1 = 4.6 KΩ, R2 = 3.8 KΩ, R3 = 6.6KΩ, R4 = 2.6 KΩ, R5 = 4.7 KΩ.
Value of Voltage Sources: E1 = 10 V, E2 = 15 V.
Table-2 (For Figure 4):
Value of Resistors: RS = 3.25 KΩ, R1 = 4.6 KΩ, R2 = 3.8 KΩ, R3 = 6.6 KΩ, R4 = 2.6 KΩ, R5 =
4.7KΩ.
Value of Voltage Source: E = 10V.
Comparison:

Discussion:
Mesh analysis and nodal analysis are two fundamental techniques used in circuit analysis to
solve for currents and voltages in electrical circuits.Mesh Analysis:In mesh analysis, the circuit is
analyzed by considering mesh currents. A mesh is a closed loop in the circuit that does not
contain any other loops within it. The number of meshes in a circuit is equal to the number of
independent loops.Here’s how mesh analysis works:Assign mesh currents to each mesh in the
circuit, following a consistent direction.Mesh analysis can efficiently handle circuits with
multiple voltage sources and mesh currents provide a clear understanding of current flow within
individual loops.Apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) to each mesh, summing up the voltage
drops across all the elements in the mesh.Solve the resulting equations to find the mesh
currents.Once the mesh currents are known, you can easily determine other quantities such as
voltages and power in the circuit.Nodal Analysis:Nodal analysis, also known as node-voltage
analysis, is based on Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL) and Ohm’s law. In nodal analysis, we
analyze the circuit by considering the voltages at each node in the circuit.Here’s how nodal
analysis works:Identify all the nodes in the circuit. A node is a point where two or more circuit
elements meet.Assign a reference node (usually the node with the most connections or the
ground).Write KCL equations for each non-reference node by summing up the currents entering
or leaving the node.Use Ohm’s law to express the currents in terms of the node voltages.Solve
the resulting equations to find the node voltages.Once the node voltages are known, you can
easily determine other quantities such as currents and power in the circuit.

Conclusion:
Both mesh analysis and nodal analysis are powerful tools in circuit analysis, and their
effectiveness depends on the nature and complexity of the circuit being analyzed.For circuits
with predominantly voltage sources and many loops, mesh analysis offers a structured approach
to determine mesh currents and analyze voltage drops.For circuits with predominantly current
sources and many branches, nodal analysis provides a systematic method to determine node
voltages and analyze current distributions.In practice, engineers often use a combination of both
techniques depending on the characteristics of the circuit. Understanding and proficiency in both
mesh and nodal analysis enable engineers to efficiently analyze and design a wide range of
electrical circuits, making them indispensable skills in the field of electrical engineering.
References:
[1] Robert L. Boylestad, “ Introductory circuit Analysis “,13th edition, prentice hall, New york.