How Do You Solve Mesh Analysis with Multiple Loops and Controlled Sources?

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The discussion focuses on solving a mesh analysis problem involving multiple loops and controlled sources. The original poster attempts to derive equations for the currents I1, I2, I3, and I4 using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) and Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL), but encounters inconsistencies, particularly with the value of I2. A suggestion is made to use a supermesh approach to incorporate the controlled current source between loops 1 and 2, leading to the formulation of three equations for the unknown currents. Additionally, it is noted that the current I4 can be directly determined as -3A based on the known current source. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of accurately setting up the equations and considering the influence of controlled sources in mesh analysis.
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Homework Statement


I posted the problem in the picture below.[/B]
Solve for the currents I1,I2,I3,I4

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


This was my attempt at it using KVL and KCL:

For I1 loop:
8I1-6I3 = -5Vx

For I2 Loop:
5Vx + 15(I2+3) + 10I2 = 0
5Vx+25I2 = -45

For I3 Loop:
-10+6(I3-I1)+5I3 = 0

For I4 Loop
10+15(I2+3) = 0

So from solving this I got I4 as -11/3 A and Vx as -10V from substituting it into 15(I2+3)

But when I substituted these values back into I2 Loop equation I get I2 as 1/5A so I'm getting different values for I2.
Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Is it my equations by chance?
Thanks in advance :D
 

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Ronaldo95163 said:
5Vx + 15(I2+3) + 10I2 = 0

Sure that should be 15(I2 -I3)?

Also I may be wrong on this, its been a few years since I did questions like this. But since you have a current source of 3A. Isn't I4 3A?
 
This is an old thread that was left hanging (no final solution to the posed problem). Let's take a stab at solving it, as the solution is unlikely to affect the OP's grades at this point :smile:

For starters, let's use a more conventional assignment of current directions for the meshes (all clockwise):
upload_2018-11-21_2-27-20.png


By inspection we can see that ##I_4 = -3## (amps).

That's one loop current solved without hardly any effort. We will need three more equations to solve for the other loop currents.

We can incorporate the influence of the known loop 4 current into the circuit by adding a voltage source to the 15Ω branch (there's no shared resistance with loop 3, so no influence there; The 10 V voltage source is a "wall" beyond which loop 4 cannot have any influence).. The 3 amp mesh current of loop 4 will produce a voltage drop of 3*15 = 45 V across the 15Ω resistor, driving a current counterclockwise in that loop (so the source will have the same polarity as ##v_x## in the diagram). That's the voltage source we need to introduce into that branch to account for ##I_4##. Now we can forget loop 4 and concentrate on the rest of the circuit.

The controlled current source between loops 1 and 2 informs us that we should employ a supermesh. A suitable supermesh would encompass loops 1 and 2. So, writing mesh equations:
upload_2018-11-21_3-40-57.png


We also have to consider the auxiliary, or constraint equations imposed by the controlled current source. So:
upload_2018-11-21_2-51-10.png


So by the constraint equations we find:
upload_2018-11-21_2-52-40.png


If we clean up the equations a bit we now have:
upload_2018-11-21_2-54-1.png


Three equations in three unknowns.

From the three equations we can write the impedance matrix and voltage vector:
upload_2018-11-21_3-0-3.png

A person without a computer would likely employ Cramer's Rule or back-substitution or some other method to solve the system of equations. A person with a computer can do the same but without the brain-sweat.

Hence:

upload_2018-11-21_3-2-1.png


Translate the current values with our clockwise direction definition to the original circuit diagram's current direction definitions and you're done. Here's the original circuit drawing:
mesh-png.png
 

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