Nodal Analysis on Electrical Circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of nodal analysis to an electrical circuit, focusing on the calculation of node voltages and current directions. Participants are attempting to solve a homework problem related to this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents initial calculations for node voltages Vx and Vy, suggesting a value of 1.08V for Vx, which they believe may be incorrect.
  • Another participant questions the direction of current I2 and suggests that it should be expressed differently, indicating a potential misunderstanding of current flow.
  • Some participants propose alternative expressions for the currents based on their assumptions about the circuit diagram, specifically for I2 and I3.
  • There is a discussion about the application of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and how current directions affect the formulation of node equations.
  • One participant suggests that the equations for the currents at nodes X and Y may not be correctly expressed according to KCL.
  • Another participant provides plausible values for Vx and Vy, along with calculated current values, questioning their feasibility.
  • Responses indicate that the proposed values for Vx and Vy are possible, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the earlier calculations or assumptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct expressions for currents and node equations, indicating that multiple competing interpretations exist. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the initial calculations and assumptions about current directions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight potential issues with the assumptions made regarding current directions and the expressions used for the currents, but these concerns are not fully resolved. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and calculations without a definitive conclusion.

gl0ck
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Homework Statement


Nodal.png


The Attempt at a Solution


According to the similar problem
Node X:
I1=(22-Vx)/66
I2=(66-Vx)/44
Il=Vx/264
I3=I1+I2+Il
Node Y:
I4=Vy/240
I5=6
I4=I3+I5

After the calculations I get 1.08 for Vx, which I think is wrong.

Thanks
 
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gl0ck said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 55350

The Attempt at a Solution


According to the similar problem
Node X:
I1=(22-Vx)/66
I2=(66-Vx)/44 <--- Check the indicated direction of I2.
Il=Vx/264
I3=I1+I2+Il <--- Why not I3 in terms of node voltages Vx and Vy?
Node Y:
I4=Vy/240
I5=6
I4=I3+I5

After the calculations I get 1.08 for Vx, which I think is wrong.

Thanks
Yeah, Vx is definitely greater than 1.08V.

Can you show more of your work? How about writing out the node equations?
 
If the direction of I2 is that shown on the picture, then shouldn't it be I2=(Vx-66)/44
and for I3, I3=(Vy-Vx)/24. If these assumptions are correct, then the calculations are easy, but I think the problem is somewhere in the expressions of the currents.

Thanks for the reply
 
gl0ck said:
If the direction of I2 is that shown on the picture, then shouldn't it be I2=(Vx-66)/44 and for I3, I3=(Vy-Vx)/24.
Yes, they look fine.
If these assumptions are correct, then the calculations are easy, but I think the problem is somewhere in the expressions of the currents.
With the expressions that you now have for the currents you should be able to write and solve the two node equations (based on KCL at each node).
 
Are the equations for the X node:
I1+I2+Il = I3?
and for the Y node:
I4=I3+I5?
Because I don't understand how the current direction should be expressed by the Kirchoff's law.
which will made the equations look like these:
((22-Vx)/66)+((Vx-66)/44)+(Vx/264)=((Vy-Vx)/24)
and
Node Y:
Vy/240=((Vy-Vx)/24)+6
 
If you choose to assume the current directions as depicted in the diagram, then some are flowing into the X node and some are flowing out. According to KCL the sum of the ones flowing in must balance the sum of those flowing out.

Regarding the math of current directions, suppose that you had a couple of nodes A and B with potentials Va and Vb as follows:

attachment.php?attachmentid=55378&stc=1&d=1360016286.gif


The current flowing from node A into node B would be given by ##Iab = \frac{Va - Vb}{R}## .

The current flowing from node B into node A would be given by ##Iba = \frac{Vb - Va}{R}## .

In other words, you specify the assumed current direction by the order in which you take the difference in the potentials.
 

Attachments

  • Fig1.gif
    Fig1.gif
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Last edited:
I2+Il=I1+I3
I3+I5=I4
Are these the correct equations for the currents?
 
Last edited:
gl0ck said:
I2+Il=I1+I3
I3+I5=I4
Are these the correct equations for the currents?

Assuming the current directions as depicted in the diagram, the first equation looks okay but the second equation does not look okay. Note that both I3 and I4 are shown flowing OUT of node Y. For I5 (which isn't defined on the circuit diagram) you can just use a constant 6 Amps.
 
Is it possible Vx to be 160.3V and Vy to be 276.63V?
I found plausible values for the currents:
I1=(22-160.3)/66=-2.095A
I2=(160.3-66)/44=2.143A
I3=(276.63-160.3)/24=4.847A
Il=160.3/264=0.607A
I4=276.63/240=1.152A
 
  • #10
gl0ck said:
Is it possible Vx to be 160.3V and Vy to be 276.63V?
I found plausible values for the currents:
I1=(22-160.3)/66=-2.095A
I2=(160.3-66)/44=2.143A
I3=(276.63-160.3)/24=4.847A
Il=160.3/264=0.607A
I4=276.63/240=1.152A

Yes, it's possible. In fact it's more than likely :smile:
 
  • #11
Thank you for the help. :)
 

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