Mesh-current analysis

The Mesh-current analysis is simply an extended application of Kirchhoff’s laws. Diagram 31.1 shows a network whose circulating currents I1, I2 and I3 have been allocated to closed loops in the circuit rather than to branches. Currents I1, I2 and I3 are referred to as mesh-currents or loop-currents. In mesh-current analysis the loop-currents are all arranged to circulate in the same direction (in diagram 31.1, shown as clockwise direction). Kirchhoff’s 2nd law is applied to each of the loops in turn, which in the circuit of diagram 31.1 generates 3 equations in three unknowns which may be solved for I1, I2 and I3.