Mesh Current Method: Solve for Vx in Network Q11

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the voltage Vx in a given electrical network using the mesh current method. Participants are examining the loop equations derived from Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) and discussing potential errors in sign conventions and assumptions related to the circuit's components.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their loop equations but expresses uncertainty about their correctness.
  • Another participant questions the signs used in the second equation, suggesting that they may be incorrect and asks for clarification on the reasoning behind those choices.
  • A participant explains their reasoning for the signs in the second equation, detailing the voltage contributions from various components in the loop.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of information regarding the polarity of the voltage sources, which could affect the analysis.
  • One participant suggests reversing the voltage source in the second loop as a potential method to align with the expected answer from the textbook.
  • A participant shares their attempt to solve the equations using Cramer's rule, providing their calculations and results for the currents and voltage, but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the loop equations or the signs used in the calculations. Multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of the circuit elements and their contributions remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the ambiguity in the reference terminals of the voltage sources, which may impact the analysis. There is also mention of unresolved mathematical steps in the calculations presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals studying circuit analysis, particularly those interested in mesh current methods and the application of KVL in electrical networks.

TheRedDevil18
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Homework Statement


Obtain the voltage Vx in the network of Fig.Q11, using the mesh current method.
(Ans: Vx=4.35∠-194.5)

impedance.jpg

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not getting the correct answer, are my loop equations correct ?

10 - 2*i1 + 2j*i1 -5j(i1+i2) -5(i1+i3) = 0
4.33 + 2.5j - 10*i2 -5j(i1+i2) +2(i3-i2) -2j(i3-i2) = 0
-10*i3 + 2j(i3-i2) -2(i3-i2) -5(i1+i3) = 0

Therefore,

i1(-7-3j) + i2(-5j) -5*i3 = -10......(1)
i1(-5j) + i2(-12-3j) + i3(2-2j) = -4.33-2.5j.....(2)
-5*i1 + i2(2-2j) + i3(-17+2j) = 0.......(3)
 
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TheRedDevil18 said:
10 - 2*i1 + 2j*i1 -5j(i1+i2) -5(i1+i3) = 0
4.33 + 2.5j - 10*i2 -5j(i1+i2) +2(i3-i2) -2j(i3-i2) = 0
-10*i3 + 2j(i3-i2) -2(i3-i2) -5(i1+i3) = 0

Some of the signs in the 2nd equation look wrong to me (but it's been a while since I used KVL -- I usually use KCL).

Can you talk through why you chose the signs that you did for the 2nd equation?
 
berkeman said:
Some of the signs in the 2nd equation look wrong to me (but it's been a while since I used KVL -- I usually use KCL).

Can you talk through why you chose the signs that you did for the 2nd equation?

Okay, I have labeled the currents in my diagram

4.33+2.5j, That's the voltage of the source in the second loop in complex form (Voltage rise so it's positive)
-10*i2, Voltage drop across the resistor, hence negative sign
-5j(i1+i2), Voltage drop across the inductor, negative sign
+2(i3-i2), Positive sign because the loop is traveling opposite to the current direction as labeled
-2j(i3-i2), Because impedance is negative for a capacitor and loop is traveling opposite in direction to current, so +*- = - sign
 
One of the difficulties is that we are not told which terminal of each source is (+) and which is (-), i.e., which is the reference terminal.

Perhaps assume the marked current is indicative of the source polarity, though I don't know whether we can generalize that to other problems like this. :oldconfused:

I do get the same equations as you, though haven't checked them.

Perhaps reverse the voltage source in the second loop, and see whether you get the book's answer that way?
 
NascentOxygen said:
One of the difficulties is that we are not told which terminal of each source is (+) and which is (-), i.e., which is the reference terminal.

Perhaps assume the marked current is indicative of the source polarity, though I don't know whether we can generalize that to other problems like this. :oldconfused:

I do get the same equations as you, though haven't checked them.

Perhaps reverse the voltage source in the second loop, and see whether you get the book's answer that way?

I tried reversing it but still get the same answer, maybe I am solving it wrong so here are my steps. I used crammers rule

Determinant,
7+3j ...5j...5
5j...12+3j...-2+2j
5....-2+2j...17-2j

Solving that I get, -73+405j

Then for i3,
7+3j...5j...10
5j...12+3j...4.33+2.5j
5...-2+2j...0

Solving that I get, -744.52-100.77j

Therefore i3 = (-744.52-100.77j)/(-73+405j)
= 0.08 + 1.82j

So V = (0.08+1.82j)*10
= 0.8 + 18.24j

Or, 18.26∠87.49
 

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