MAXWELL’S LOOP CURRENT METHOD
Statement:-
This method determines branch currents and voltages across the
elements of a network.
Method:-
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Here, instead of taking branch currents (as in Kirchoff’s law) loop currents are taken which are assumed to flow in the clockwise direction.
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Branch currents can be found in terms of loop currents
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Sign conventions for the IR drops and battery emfs are the same as for Kirchoff’s law.
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This method is easier if all the sources are given as voltage sources. If there is a current source present in a network then convert it into equivalent voltage source.
Explanation:-
Consider a network as shown in Fig. below. It contains two meshes. Let I1 and
I2 are the mesh currents of two meshes directed in clockwise.
When we consider mesh-1, the current I1 is greater than I2. So, current through
R3 is I1-I2. Similarly, when we consider mesh-2, the current I2 is greater than I1.
So, current through R3 is I2 – I1.
Example:
Find I1, I2 and I3 in the network shown in Fig below using loop
current method
Solution:-
For mesh ABCDA,
