Solving triple mesh, single source circuit using mesh analysis

Thread Starter

Connor Spangler

Joined Sep 2, 2015
2
So this problem has me getting ticked, as I've done it a million different ways and followed similar tutorials to the letter and I'm not getting the correct answers.



I've assigned the current flow as clockwise for all 3. Here are my equations:
I1: -10 + 220I1 + 390(I1-I2) = 0
I2: 270I2 + 470(I2-I3) + 390(I1-I2) = 0
I3: 560I3 + 470(I2-I3) = 0

These reduce to the following matrices:
-A-
610 -390 0
390 350 -470
0 470 90

and

-B-
10
0
0

Solving (-A-)^-1(-B-)gives me completely incorrect answers (using nodal analysis + LTspice simulation, the correct currents are I1 = -22.65 mA, I2 = -9.6 mA, and I3 = 4.39 mA).

What am I missing here? Thank you!
 
Last edited:

WBahn

Joined Mar 31, 2012
30,088
I've assigned the current flow as clockwise for all 3. Here are my equations:
I1: -10 + 220I1 + 390(I1-I2) = 0
I2: 270I2 + 470(I2-I3) + 390(I1-I2) = 0
I3: 560I3 + 470(I2-I3) = 0
Sanity check your equations. Since the mesh current for each mesh is flowing the same way through every component along the mesh, the sign of that current must be the same in all terms -- and, conversely, the sign of the other mesh currents from adjacent meshes must have the opposite sign.

So in the I1 mesh, I1 should be added and I2 should be subtracted. That passes.
But in the I2 mesh, I2 should be added while both I1 and I3 should be subtracted. That fails the test.

You also need to learn to track your units. Your first equation, for instance, should be

I1: -10 V + 220Ω(I1) + 390Ω(I1-I2) = 0
 
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