Mesh Analysis Help: Solve Circuit for i1 & i2

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving mesh currents i1 and i2 in a given circuit. The original poster, James, attempts to derive equations for the mesh currents but arrives at incorrect values. A participant suggests using a determinant for the matrix to solve the equations accurately, indicating that the textbook answer may be incorrect. Ultimately, the correct values derived from the discussion are I1 = 2.69767 and I2 = 1.93023, confirming that the initial calculations were flawed. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper matrix application in mesh analysis.
James889
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Hi,

I have the following circuit:
[PLAIN]http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6476/upg2.png

But when i try to calculate the mesh currents i end up with the wrong answer.

This is what i did:
Equation for i1:
6i_1 + 18(i_1-i_2) -30
Equation for i2:
17i_2 + 18(i_2-i_1) -19

Adding currents in the first equation:
24i_1 - 18i_2 -30

Adding currents in the second equation:
35i_2 - 18i_1 -19

18i_1 = 35i_2 -19
i_1 = 1.94i_2-1.056

Inserting into the first equation i get
24(1.94i_2-1.056) - 18i_2 -30

Which gives that i_2 = 1.93 but that's wrong

Where did i go wrong ?

/james
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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James889 said:
Hi,

I have the following circuit:
[PLAIN]http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6476/upg2.png

But when i try to calculate the mesh currents i end up with the wrong answer.

This is what i did:
Equation for i1:
6i_1 + 18(i_1-i_2) -30
Equation for i2:
17i_2 + 18(i_2-i_1) -19

Adding currents in the first equation:
24i_1 - 18i_2 -30

Adding currents in the second equation:
35i_2 - 18i_1 -19

18i_1 = 35i_2 -19
i_1 = 1.94i_2-1.056

Inserting into the first equation i get
24(1.94i_2-1.056) - 18i_2 -30

Which gives that i_2 = 1.93 but that's wrong

Where did i go wrong ?

/james
you need to get a determinant for the matrix first notice its a 2 x 2 so you would put it in like this rt in first minus the r they share and the same for the second, then you'd use the voltage on the side [24 -18]30
[-18 35] 19
------------ then you do your matrix and get your first determinate
then you sub in the 30 and the 19 for a then b once you have that its a/d and b/d
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Why do you think your answer is wrong? Is it because the answer given by the textbook (or your instructor) is different? Sometimes textbooks have the wrong answer for problems.

The answer I get is:

I1 = 2.69767
I2 = 1.93023
 
The Electrician said:
Why do you think your answer is wrong? Is it because the answer given by the textbook (or your instructor) is different? Sometimes textbooks have the wrong answer for problems.

The answer I get is:

I1 = 2.69767
I2 = 1.93023

Alright thanks, looks like the answer in my textbook is wrong.
 
just wondering what text are u using?
 
2 Equations & 2 Unknowns.
My Equations

Mesh 1:
[PLAIN]https://dl.dropbox.com/u/4645835/MATH/mesh1.gif

Mesh 2:
[PLAIN]https://dl.dropbox.com/u/4645835/MATH/mesh2.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The Electrician said:
Why do you think your answer is wrong? Is it because the answer given by the textbook (or your instructor) is different? Sometimes textbooks have the wrong answer for problems.

The answer I get is:

I1 = 2.69767
I2 = 1.93023

I never said you were wrong, I shown him how to apply mesh anly so he could use it in the future. if you notice i didn't give an answer ;)
 
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