Causality with time invariance

In summary, the conversation discusses the shift operator S(\tau) and the truncation operator P(\tau), and the statement P(\tau)S(\tau)=S(\tau)P(0) is being questioned and attempted to be proven. The computation for P(\tau)S(\tau) and S(\tau)P(0) is shown, but there seems to be an error in the last equation. Further discussion and attempts are made, but the statement is still not proven.
  • #1
tutumar
2
0
Assume u:R[itex]\rightarrow[/itex] C^n and define shift operator S([itex]\tau[/itex]) with

S([itex]\tau[/itex])u(t)=u(t-[itex]\tau[/itex])

and truncation operator P([itex]\tau[/itex]) with

P([itex]\tau[/itex])u(t)=u(t) for t[itex]\leq[/itex][itex]\tau[/itex] and 0 for t>[itex]\tau[/itex]

Then P([itex]\tau[/itex])S([itex]\tau[/itex])=S([itex]\tau[/itex])P(0) for every [itex]\tau[/itex]>=0.

Can someone please prove last statement..
 
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  • #2
Looks like pretty direct computation. If u(t) is any such function, then what is[itex]SD(\tau)u[/itex]? What is [itex]P(\tau)S(\tau)u[/itex]? Then turn around and find [itex]S(\tau)P(0)u[/itex].
 
  • #3
Yes, I tried that, and it just doesn't fit..

P([itex]\tau[/itex])S([itex]\tau[/itex])u(t)=P([itex]\tau[/itex])u(t-[itex]\tau[/itex])=u(t-[itex]\tau[/itex]) if t-[itex]\tau[/itex]<=[itex]\tau[/itex] and 0 for t-[itex]\tau[/itex]>[itex]\tau[/itex]

S([itex]\tau[/itex])P(0)u(t)=S([itex]\tau[/itex])u(t) for t<=0 and 0 otherwise=u(t-[itex]\tau[/itex]) if t<=0 and 0 otherwise..

Well, something's got to be wrong here, but I can't see what..
 
  • #4
I think your last equation is wrong. As, if we have:

$$P(0)u(t)=u(t) \mbox{ if } t\leq 0 \mbox{ and } 0 \mbox{ otherwise }$$

than:

$$S(\tau)P(0)u(t)=u(t-\tau) \mbox{ if } t-\tau\leq 0 \mbox{ and } 0 \mbox{ if } t-\tau>0$$

Still, I'm not able to prove the statement as in the first case you have $$t-\tau\leq\tau$$ and in this case there is $$t-\tau\leq 0$$. :tongue: I'm sorry...
 
  • #5


The statement P(\tau)S(\tau)=S(\tau)P(0) can be proven using the definition of the shift and truncation operators.

First, we will consider the left side of the equation: P(\tau)S(\tau). This means that we first apply the shift operator S(\tau) to the function u(t), which results in u(t-\tau). Then, we apply the truncation operator P(\tau) to the shifted function, which results in u(t-\tau) for t\leq\tau and 0 for t>\tau.

Next, we will consider the right side of the equation: S(\tau)P(0). This means that we first apply the truncation operator P(0) to the function u(t), which results in u(t) for t\leq 0 and 0 for t> 0. Then, we apply the shift operator S(\tau) to the truncated function, which results in u(t-\tau) for t\leq\tau and 0 for t>\tau.

Since both sides of the equation result in the same function u(t-\tau) for t\leq\tau and 0 for t>\tau, we can conclude that P(\tau)S(\tau)=S(\tau)P(0) for every \tau>=0. This shows that the statement is true and proves the desired result.
 

What is causality with time invariance?

Causality with time invariance is a principle in physics that states that the cause of an event must always precede the effect in time and that this relationship remains unchanged regardless of when the event is observed.

What is the importance of causality with time invariance in scientific research?

Causality with time invariance is essential in scientific research as it helps to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between different variables and phenomena. This allows scientists to accurately predict and understand the behavior of natural systems.

How is causality with time invariance tested in experiments?

Causality with time invariance can be tested in experiments by manipulating the independent variable (the potential cause) and observing the resulting changes in the dependent variable (the effect) over time. The results should consistently show that the cause precedes the effect.

What happens if causality with time invariance is violated?

If causality with time invariance is violated, it means that the cause and effect relationship is not consistent and may be influenced by other factors. This can lead to inaccurate predictions and a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms of a phenomenon.

How does causality with time invariance relate to other principles in physics?

Causality with time invariance is closely related to other fundamental principles in physics, such as the laws of thermodynamics and the conservation of energy. It also plays a crucial role in the concept of the arrow of time, which describes the one-way direction of time in our universe.

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