AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF BANGLADESH (AIUB)

FALL 2024-2025

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRIC CIRCUITS LAB

SECTION-D (GROUP-7)
LAB REPORT ON
Study of Mesh Analysis and Nodal Analysis
Supervised By
MD.ASHIQUZZAMAN

Title: Study to Mesh Analysis and Nodal Analysis

Abstract:
Mesh analysis and nodal analysis are fundamental methods used in electrical circuit analysis.
They provide systematic approaches to solving electrical circuits by applying Kirchhoff’s laws.
This report introduces the concepts, principles, and applications of these techniques, laying the
foundation for their practical use in circuit design and analysis.

1. Introduction:
In electrical engineering, analyzing circuits to determine unknown currents and voltages is
essential. Mesh analysis and nodal analysis are widely used methods for simplifying this
process. These techniques are based on Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) and Kirchhoff’s Current
Law (KCL), respectively. Mesh Analysis focuses on analyzing loops within a circuit to calculate
the currents flowing through them. Nodal Analysis revolves around examining nodes in a circuit
to determine the voltages at different points.
This study aims to explore these techniques, explain their working principles, and discuss their
advantages and limitations.
Mesh analysis, also known as the loop current method, is used to calculate the currents in
independent loops of a planar circuit. It applies KVL to each loop, forming equations that can be
solved simultaneously.
Nodal analysis determines the voltage at specific points (nodes) in a circuit. It uses KCL to form
equations based on the current entering and leaving a node.
Mesh analysis and nodal analysis are complementary techniques, each suited to specific types
of circuit problems. Understanding their principles and applications is crucial for electrical
engineering students and professionals. While mesh analysis simplifies planar circuits with
limited loops, nodal analysis excels in circuits with multiple nodes or voltage sources. Mastery
of both methods provides the flexibility to tackle complex circuits effectively.

1.Mass Analysis: Mass analysis refers to the study and evaluation of the distribution,
composition, and behavior of mass in physical systems. It is commonly used in fields such as
engineering, physics, chemistry, and environmental sciences to understand how mass interacts
within a given system or process. The principles of mass analysis are based on the law of
conservation of mass, which states:
"Mass cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system; it is conserved over time."
This principle forms the foundation for analyzing mass flow, distribution, and balance in both 2.

A. Methodology of Mass Analysis

Steps for Mass Analysis:
a) Define the System
Identify the boundaries of the system to determine whether it is open (allows mass exchange)
or closed (no mass exchange).
b) Account for Inputs and Outputs
Identify all sources of mass entering and leaving the system. These can include solids, liquids,
gases, or even energy if it impacts mass changes.
c) Apply the Conservation of Mass Use the conservation equation to set up a mass balance,
considering generation, consumption, and accumulation within the system. static and dynamic
system.
B. Simplify for Steady or Unsteady States
• For steady-state systems:
Accumulation = 0.
• For unsteady-state systems:
Accumulation must be included as a time-dependent factor.
5. Solve the Equations
Use mathematical tools, such as algebra, calculus, or computational models, to solve for
unknown mass quantities or flows.

2.Nodal analysis:
Nodal analysis, also known as the node-voltage method, is a powerful technique used in
electrical circuit analysis to calculate the voltages at various nodes within a circuit. It is based on
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL).
"The algebraic sum of currents entering a node is equal to the sum of currents leaving the
node."
This method is particularly useful for circuits with multiple branches, as it simplifies the
calculation of unknown voltages, which can then be used to determine current values in the
circuit.
A. Theory of Nodal Analysis:
Nodal analysis operates on the principle of current conservation and uses Ohm's Law to relate
voltages and resistances to currents. Key concepts include:
Node: A junction in the circuit where two or more circuit elements are
connected.
Reference Node: A node chosen as the ground or zero-voltage reference point. All other
node voltages are measured relative to this reference.
Node Voltage: The electrical potential difference between a node and the reference node.
Using these definitions, nodal analysis simplifies complex circuits into a set of linear equations
that can be solved using algebraic methods.
2. Methodology of Nodal Analysis
Steps for Nodal Analysis
a) Identify All Nodes
Label all nodes in the circuit and choose one as the reference node (ground). Assign voltage
variables to the remaining nodes.
b) Apply Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
For each non-reference node, write a KCL equation, summing all currents entering and leaving
the node.
Express currents in terms of node voltages using Ohm's Law:

c) Account for Voltage Sources

• If a voltage source is connected between two nodes, write a constraint equation for the
voltage difference.
• If the voltage source is connected to the reference node, set the node voltage equal to the
source voltage.
d)Solve the Equations Combine the KCL:
equations for all non-r Use algebraic methods, such as substitution or matrix techniques, to
solve for the node voltages.
Apparatus:
1. Trainer Board
2. Digital Multimeter
3. DC Source
4. Resistors
5. Connecting Wires

Precautions:
• It should be checked whether all the apparatus is functioning properly.
• The circuit should be implemented carefully wherever necessary.
• When the DC source is being connected, it must be ensured that it is not shorted
while being placed on the trainer board.
• The DC source should not be switched on while the circuit is being implemented
on the trainer board.
• While voltage is being measured, the Digital Multimeter must be placed in
parallel across the circuit elements where the voltage is to be measured, and it should be set to
voltmeter mode.
• While current is being measured, the Digital Multimeter must be placed in series
with the branch of the circuit where the current is to be measured, and it should be set to
ammeter mode.
Curcuit Diagram:

Figure 3: Circuit diagram of mesh analysis Figure 4: Nodal analysis

Experimental Procedure:

• The circuit should be connected as shown in Figure 3.

• Three mesh equations should be written to describe this circuit.
• The currents through each loop of the network should be calculated using these
equations, and the directions of the currents should be indicated.
• The currents I (1), I (2), and I (3) should be measured, with the direction of each
current being noted.
• Table 1 should be filled with the necessary calculations.
• The circuit should be connected as shown in Figure 4.
• Three nodal equations should be written to describe this circuit.
• The nodal voltages should be calculated using these equations.
• The nodal voltages V (1), V (2), and V (3) should be measured.
• Table 2 should be filled with the necessary calculations.

Data Table:

Table 1 (for figure 3):

Value of Resistors: R (1) =2.160 K, Ohm, R (2) =4,64 K, Ohm, R (3) =2.148 K, Ohm,
R (4) =4.68 K, Ohm, R (5) =1.459 K, Ohm.

Value of Voltage Source E =15 V.

Table 2 (for figure 4):

Value of Resistors: R (1) =2.160 K, Ohm, R (2) =4.64 K, Ohm, R (3) =2.148 K, Ohm,
R (4) =4.68 K, Ohm, R (5) =1.459 K, Ohm.

Value of Voltage Source E =20 V.

Simulation and Measurement:

1.
2.

Discussion:

The task involves applying fundamental circuit analysis techniques, namely Mesh
Analysis and Nodal Analysis, to analyze electrical networks. Both methods are
systematic approaches widely used in electrical engineering to determine
unknown quantities like currents and voltages within a circuit. Mesh analysis
simplifies the process of solving for loop currents in planar circuits. By using
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL), which states that the sum of all voltage drops and
rises in a closed loop is zero, equations for each mesh (independent loop) are
written. The calculated and measured values are recorded in the respective tables
for comparison. Deviations between theoretical and measured results often arise
due to factors such as resistance tolerance, wiring inconsistencies, and
measurement errors. These deviations provide insights into the practical
challenges and limitations of circuit design and analysis.
Conclusion:
The task highlights the importance of Mesh and Nodal Analysis in understanding
circuit behavior and their utility in practical applications. By performing both
theoretical calculations and practical measurements, students develop a deeper
comprehension of electrical networks and enhance their analytical skills.
Moreover, the process emphasizes accuracy and the careful implementation of
circuit connections, fostering an appreciation for systematic problem-solving in
electrical engineering.

Reference:
[1]. Robert L. Boylested, Introductory circuit Analysis, prentice Hall,12th
edition, New York,2010.