Heaviside function or singularities function

In summary, the Heaviside function, also known as the unit step function, is a mathematical function that returns 0 for negative inputs and 1 for positive inputs. It is often used to model discontinuous phenomena in physics and engineering. The singularities function, on the other hand, is a more general function that can have multiple values at a single point, representing a singularity or discontinuity. Both functions have important applications in various fields, including signal processing and control systems.
  • #1
teng125
416
0
Does anybody knows heaviside function or singularities function such as <x-a>^n ;n=1,2,3... for mechanics

i wish to know what does this mean and how to draw the shears stress and moments diagramusing this function.any recommended websites for this is appreaciable too


thanx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi, sure what do you want to know about it specifically?

Hibbeler is a good source.

Side: He is not talking about the heavy side function for laplace, which is what I initially though. Right?
 
  • #3
ya,i mean we need this to draw the graph for shear stress and bending moments in mechanics,any source recommended??
 
  • #4
You can look for either Hibbler or Beer-Johnston for information on it. Both are sufficient.

Note: You do not NEED to know these functions to make shear/moment diagrams. You can make them without it.

You can try google or yahoo.

http://em-ntserver.unl.edu/NEGAHBAN/Em325/10a-shear-and-bending-moment/Shear%20stress%20in%20beams.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
thanx very much
 
  • #6
besides,those boks recommended up there,are there any links to websites that teach how to calculate the shear stress and bending moments using the heaviside function as stated above ??

thanx
 
  • #7
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #8
teng125 said:
besides,those boks recommended up there,are there any links to websites that teach how to calculate the shear stress and bending moments using the heaviside function as stated above ??
This might help - http://physics.uwstout.edu/StatStr/statics/

and

These might be useful for those learning about beam diagrams with loads/forces, shear and bending, and moments -

Beam: Shear and Moment Diagrams
http://www.ent.ohiou.edu/~bobw/html/HapEd/NSF/Stat/Beam.pdf

SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR CALCULATING SHEAR DEFLECTIONS OF BEAMS
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fplrn210.pdf

http://www.ae.msstate.edu/~masoud/Teaching/exp/A14.7_ex1.html
http://www.ae.msstate.edu/~masoud/Teaching/exp/A14.7_ex2.html

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~fanous/ce332/virtualwork/beamdeflection.html

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~fanous/ce332/homepage.html - more examples
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #9
thanx very much
 

1. What is the Heaviside function?

The Heaviside function, also known as the unit step function, is a mathematical function defined as:

H(x) = {0, x < 0; 1, x ≥ 0}

In other words, it is a function that is equal to 0 for all negative values of x and equal to 1 for all non-negative values of x.

2. What is the purpose of the Heaviside function?

The Heaviside function is commonly used in mathematical and engineering applications to represent discontinuities or changes in a system. It is particularly useful in modeling systems that switch between different states, such as in electrical circuits or control systems.

3. Can the Heaviside function be used to represent a singularity?

Yes, the Heaviside function is often used to represent a singularity in mathematical and physical systems. This is because its value changes abruptly from 0 to 1 at x = 0, making it a useful tool for modeling sudden changes or jumps in a system.

4. What is a singularity function?

A singularity function, also known as a Dirac delta function, is a mathematical function that is defined as:

δ(x) = {0, x ≠ 0; ∞, x = 0}

It is often used to represent a point of infinite density or a point mass in physics and engineering problems. It is closely related to the Heaviside function, as the derivative of the Heaviside function is the Dirac delta function.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Heaviside function and singularity functions?

The Heaviside function and singularity functions have a wide range of applications in various fields, including electrical engineering, control systems, signal processing, and physics. Some examples include modeling switch circuits, representing impulse forces in mechanics, and solving differential equations in quantum mechanics.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
797
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
57
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top