The variational solution of electric and magnetic circuits

Voltage and current distributions in electric circuits comply with a stationary power condition. An alternative circuit analysis technique can be derived from this property. The unknowns can be varied until the power consumption of the circuit is calculated to be unchanging. At this point the voltages and currents are at their true solution. This variational approach to circuit analysis has been generally overlooked. No doubt this is due to the sufficiency of conventional circuit analysis techniques. However, a closer examination of the variational approach reveals a straightforward analytic procedure with unifying properties and graphically illustrated solutions. These features provide new educational opportunities and insight. As a research tool, the variational approach offers a unified method of solving problems which include fields and devices. The application to nonlinear circuits is also of current interest. An introductory step-by-step guide to the variational procedure for electric and magnetic networks is described in this article