Transform of a piecewise continuous function

In summary, the Laplace transform of a function f(t) is given by \mathcal L\{f(t)\} = \int^{\infty}_0 e^{-st}f(t) dt. To solve an IVP with a piecewise defined function f(t), we apply Laplace transform on both sides of the differential equation and divide the integral from 0 to \infty into three integrals based on the different intervals of f(t). After integrating, we can find the inverse Laplace transform of Y(s) to get the solution to the differential equation.
  • #1
Hiche
84
0
We know that the [itex]\mathcal L\{f(t)\} = \int^{\infty}_0 e^{-st}f(t) dt[/itex].

Say we want to, for example, solve the following IVP: [tex]y'' + y = f(t)[/tex] where [itex]f(t) = \begin{cases}
0 & 0 \leq t < \pi \\
1 & \pi \leq t < 2\pi\\
0 & 2\pi \leq t
\end{cases}[/itex]

and [itex]y(0) = 0 , y'(0) = 0[/itex]

We apply Laplace on both side of the DE, and we get [itex](s^2 + 1)Y(s) = \mathcal L\{f(t)\}[/itex]. Using the cases above, do we divide the integral from 0 to [itex]\infty[/itex] into three integrals?

I did that and [itex]\mathcal L\{f(t)\} = \int^{\pi}_0 e^{-st}(0) dt + \int^{2\pi}_{\pi} e^{-st}(1) dt + \int^{\infty}_{2\pi} e^{-st}(0) dt[/itex]. The first and third integrals are zeros so we need to integrate the second one. We get [itex]-(1/s)[e^{-2\pi s} - e^{-\pi s}][/itex]. Right?

Back to the DE, [itex]Y(s) = -[e^{-2\pi s} - e^{-\pi s}] / s(s^2 + 1)[/itex]. How exactly do we find [itex]\mathcal L^{-1}\{Y(s)\}[/itex]?
 
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  • #2
Okay, so I tried solving it. [itex]1/s(s^2 + 1) = 1/s - s/(s^2 + 1)[/itex], and after a litle work, [itex]Y(s) = e^{-\pi s}/s - e^{-\pi s}/(s^2 + 1) - e^{-2\pi s}/s + e^{-2\pi s}/(s^2 + 1)[/itex]. Is this correct? Now, the Laplace inverse of [itex]Y(s)[/itex] is [itex]\delta(t - \pi) - \delta(t - \pi)sin(t - \pi) - \delta(t - 2\pi) + \delta(t - 2\pi)cos(t - 2\pi)[/itex]. I'm not sure about this, but I think it's fine?
 

Related to Transform of a piecewise continuous function

What is a piecewise continuous function?

A piecewise continuous function is a function that is defined by different formulas on different intervals of its domain. This means that the function may have different behaviors or properties on different parts of its domain.

What is the purpose of taking the transform of a piecewise continuous function?

The transform of a piecewise continuous function allows us to analyze the function in a different way and potentially simplify its behavior. This can be useful in solving equations or understanding the overall behavior of the function.

What are common types of transforms used for piecewise continuous functions?

Some common types of transforms used for piecewise continuous functions include the Laplace transform, Fourier transform, and Z-transform. These transforms can help us analyze the function in terms of frequency, time, or other variables.

How do you determine the transform of a piecewise continuous function?

The process for determining the transform of a piecewise continuous function depends on the specific function and transform being used. In general, the steps involve breaking the function into its different intervals, applying the appropriate transform to each interval, and then combining the results to get the final transform.

What are some real-world applications of transforms for piecewise continuous functions?

Transforms for piecewise continuous functions have many practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and signal processing. They can be used to analyze and design systems, study the behavior of physical phenomena, and process signals in communication and imaging technologies.

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