What is Laplace: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Pierre-Simon, marquis de Laplace (; French: [pjɛʁ simɔ̃ laplas]; 23 March 1749 – 5 March 1827) was a French scholar and polymath whose work was important to the development of engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, astronomy, and philosophy. He summarized and extended the work of his predecessors in his five-volume Mécanique Céleste (Celestial Mechanics) (1799–1825). This work translated the geometric study of classical mechanics to one based on calculus, opening up a broader range of problems. In statistics, the Bayesian interpretation of probability was developed mainly by Laplace.Laplace formulated Laplace's equation, and pioneered the Laplace transform which appears in many branches of mathematical physics, a field that he took a leading role in forming. The Laplacian differential operator, widely used in mathematics, is also named after him. He restated and developed the nebular hypothesis of the origin of the Solar System and was one of the first scientists to postulate the existence of black holes and the notion of gravitational collapse.
Laplace is remembered as one of the greatest scientists of all time. Sometimes referred to as the French Newton or Newton of France, he has been described as possessing a phenomenal natural mathematical faculty superior to that of any of his contemporaries.
He was Napoleon's examiner when Napoleon attended the École Militaire in Paris in 1784.
Laplace became a count of the Empire in 1806 and was named a marquis in 1817, after the Bourbon Restoration.

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  1. marsupial

    Engineering The effect of a switch in a Laplace circuit analysis

    Homework Statement The switch in the circuit in has been closed for a long time. At the switch is opened. a) Find i0 for t>=0 (b) find v0 for t>=0 I don't understand the effect of the switch in the position it is in. It's acting as a short circuit, I think, so presumably the capacitor doesn't...
  2. T

    Characteristic equation in terms of the Laplace operator

    Homework Statement The stability of a spinning body may be explored by using equation (3.40), with no torque components present. It will be assumed here that the spin is about the z -axis and has a rate ωZ = S. Homework Equations $$I_{xx}\dot{ω} - (I_{yy}-I_{zz})Sω_y = 0$$ $$I_{yy}\dot{y} -...
  3. J

    Are these two inverse Laplace transform solutions equivalent?

    Homework Statement Y=(8s-4)/(s²-4) Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I rearranged the right side as: 8*(s/(s²-2²))-2*(2/(s²-2²)) Using the Laplace transform chart given in the class I was able to identify these as the transforms of hyperbolic sine and hyperbolic cosine making the...
  4. N

    Laplace Transform Homework Solutions Check

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution 1. I got Y(s) = (15s +18)/(5s^2+s-2) 2. I got Y(s) = (7s - 7iw + 1)/((s+4)(5 - iw)) Was just wanting to make sure I solved these right. I would type it out but without formating, it will look messy.
  5. L

    Laplace transform applied to a differential equation

    Homework Statement Solve ##\frac{dy}{dt} -y = 1, y(0) = 0## using the laplace transform Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution ##\mathcal{L}\big\{\frac{dy}{dt}\big\} - \mathcal{L}\big\{y\big\} = \mathcal{L}\big\{1\big\}## ##sY(s) - y(0) - \frac{1}{s^2} = \frac{1}{s}## ##Y(s)...
  6. Selveste

    Solve the Laplace equation in 2D

    Homework Statement Solve the Laplace equation in 2D by the method of separation of variables. The problem is to determine the potential in a long, square, hollow tube, where four walls have different potential. The boundary conditions are as follows: V(x=0, y) = 0 V(x=L, y) = 0 V(x, y=0) = 0...
  7. D

    Laplace transform of the multiplication of two functions

    I have two functions ##\phi(t)=\cos(\omega t)## and ##f(t)=u(t)−u(t−k)## with ##f(t)=f(t+T)##, ##u(t)## is the unit step function. The problem is to find Laplace transform of ##\phi(t) \cdot f(t)##. I have tried convolution in frequency domain, but unable to solve it because of gamma functions...
  8. JTC

    A Causality in differential equations

    Hello, I am studying control theory. And I have encountered something I have never considered or thought about. Consider a system with y as the output differential equation and u as the input. any(n) + ... + a1y(1) + a0y = bmu(m) + ... + b1u(1) + b0u Here, the subscripts indicate...
  9. JTC

    Best way to learn control theory for mechanical engineers

    Hello, I have begun to teach myself Control Theory. I am looking for a book that is focused for mechanical engineers. I do not mind examples in electrical engineering, but they bore me (no offense). Also, I find some books begin with Laplace Transforms. Yet I found this online lecture...
  10. N

    Laplace expansion of the inner product (Geometric Algebra)

    Homework Statement Prove that ##\vec {a} \cdot (\vec {b} \wedge \vec {C_r}) = \vec {a} \cdot \vec {b} \vec {C_r} - \vec {b} \wedge (\vec {a} \cdot \vec {C_r})##. Note that ##\vec {a}## is a vector, ##\vec {b}## is a vector, and ##\vec {C_r}## is an r-blade with ##r > 0##. Also, the dot...
  11. C

    Finite element solving of Laplace's equation doesn't converge

    Homework Statement I'm trying to solve Laplace's equation numerically in 3d for a charged sphere in a big box. I'm using Comsol, which solves using the finite elements method. I used neumann BC on the surface of the sphere, and flux=0 BC on the box in which I have the sphere. The result does...
  12. Cocoleia

    Laplace & Inverse Laplace transforms

    Homework Statement I am given this equation: and asked to solve using Laplace transforms The Attempt at a Solution This is what I did: This seemed logical to me, I used partial fractions and it stayed pretty simple. This is what the solutions my prof posted do: Is my answer equivalent...
  13. G

    Engineering How Does Adjusting Parameter B Affect Servo Motor Friction and System Damping?

    Homework Statement 2. Homework Equations [/B] I'm studying a mathematical behaviour of a servo motor and I need some help to understand it. The output signal is \$\beta (t)\$, representing the angle rotated by the axis at instant t, in relation to the equilibrium position. On the servomotor...
  14. stockzahn

    A Laplace Equation for an annular geometry with different BC

    Dear all, I would need mathematical help to solve for the temperature field in an annular geometry (you find a picture attached below the text): A copper pipe containing a boiling two-phase flow (in the stratified regime) is immersed in a liquid bath, which temperature ##T_{IY}## is assumed to...
  15. Johny911

    Wave equation, separation of variables and the Laplace transform

    Homework Statement Homework Equations If i solve the wave equation using separation of variable and laplace tranform. Will i get the same answer ? The Attempt at a Solution
  16. C

    Engineering Laplace Transform on RC circuit

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I'm kind of lost now, how do I go about getting this into the right form for partial fraction exapnsion. And also what do I do with the V(0'). There was no information given about it.
  17. M

    A Solving the Young-Laplace Equation for Partial Cylinders in Fluid Mechanics

    Hi PF! I am considering a partial cylinder filled with fluid. By partial I mean consider something like a half-pipe. If a small disturbance is present, the fluid radius on the open side of the cylinder is ##r=R(1+\epsilon f(\theta,z,t))##. The Young-Laplace equation for capillary pressure is...
  18. C

    Solving ODEs with Laplace. Stuck at Partial Fraction Expansi

    Homework Statement Hi, So I had a pretty long question solving a Linear ODE but now I've gotten stuck at this stage where I can't seem to get it into the right form to carry out partial fraction expansion Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] I'm quite sure that I what I have at...
  19. C

    A Laplace equation- variable domain

    Hi, I need to solve Laplace equation ## \nabla ^2 \Phi(z,r)=0## in cylindrical coordinates in the domain ## r_1<r<r_2 ##, ## 0<z<L ##. The boundary conditions are: ## \left\{ \begin{aligned} &\Phi(0,r)=V_B \\ &\Phi(L,r)=V_P \\ & -{C^{'}}_{ox} \Phi(x,r_2)=C_0 \frac{\partial \Phi(x,r)}{\partial...
  20. jdawg

    Laplace Transform with Imaginary Roots

    Homework Statement 4(d2x/dt2) +3x = t*e-3tsin(5t) Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution So I know how to take the Laplace transform and find the function for the Laplace domain: X(s) = 10(s+3)/(((s+3)2+25)2)(4s2+3) + (10s/(4s2+3)) + (2/(4s2+3)) But trying to convert...
  21. S

    A Transforming a PDE with Laplace method

    Hello, I have the following PDE equation: a*b/U(u)*V(v) = 0 where a and b are arbitrary constants, and U an V are two unknown functions. To me it appears this has no solution, however I would like to ask if anyone has some suggestions, such as transforming it to another type using Fourier or...
  22. A

    Solving partial differential equation with Laplace

    Homework Statement am trying to solve this PDE (as in the attached picture) https://i.imgur.com/JDSY4HA.jpg also my attempt is included, but i stopped in step, can you help me with it? appreciated, Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution my attempt is the same as in the attached picture...
  23. JTC

    I Meaning of the word "Harmonic" in different contexts

    A harmonic function is one that satisfies Laplace's equation -- a definition cannot be more precise than that. However, in the study of vibrations, sine and cosine are considered harmonic functions; but they don't solve Laplace's equation. And then there are words like: harmonics (for higher...
  24. PhysicsCollegeGirl

    Laplace transform (translation on the s-axis)

    Homework Statement L-1{[(2s-1)]/[(s^2)(s+1)^3]} Homework Equations L{f(t)e^(at)}=F(s-a) The Attempt at a Solution I have tried million ways but the different exponents in the denominator are throwing me off. The other problem is that I cannot use partial fractions, the homework instructions...
  25. B

    Calculating Laplace Transformation for 1/cos(t) | Trigonometric Formulas

    Homework Statement You have to calculated the Laplace transformation for 1/ cos(t) Homework Equations That's all The Attempt at a Solution i tryed whit some trigonometric formulas but i don't get anywhere : 1/cos(t) = cos(t) / (1- sin ^2 (t)) or 1/cos(t) = cos(t) + sin(t) x tg(t) or...
  26. C

    I Laplace equation boundary conditions

    Hi, I need to solve Laplace equation ##\nabla ^2 \Phi(z,r)=0## in cylindrical coordinates in the domain ##r_1<r<r_2##, ##0<z<L##. The boundary conditions are: ## \left\{ \begin{aligned} &\Phi(0,r)=V_B \\ &\Phi(L,r)=V_P \\ & -{C^{'}}_{ox} \Phi(x,r_2)=C_0 \frac{\partial \Phi(x,r)}{\partial...
  27. C

    A Laplace Eq. in Cylindrical coordinates (no origin)

    Hi, I need to solve Laplace equation:##\nabla ^2 \Phi(x,r)=0## in cylindrical domain ##r_1<r<r_2##, ##0<z<+\infty##. The boundary conditions are: ## \left\{ \begin{aligned} &\Phi(0,r)=V_B \\ & -{C^{'}}_{ox} \Phi(x,r_2)=C_0 \frac{\partial \Phi(x,r)}{\partial r}\rvert_{r=r_2} \\ &\frac{\partial...
  28. C

    A Laplace Eq. in Cylindrical coordinates

    Hi, I need to solve Laplace equation:## \nabla ^2 \Phi(x,r)=0 ## in cylindrical domain ##0<r<r_0##, ##0<x<L## and ##0<\phi<2\pi##. The boundary conditions are the following ones: ## \left\{ \begin{aligned} &C_{di}\Phi(x,r_0)=\epsilon \frac{\partial \Phi(x,r)}{\partial r}\rvert_{r=r_0} \\...
  29. maistral

    A 2D Cartesian Laplace equation with a single point diffusion

    Hi. I have this problem in trying to solve this PDE analytically. The PDE is represented by this diagram: Basically this is solving the Laplace equation with those insulated boundaries except it has that point diffusing its value across the plane. I know how to solve the Laplace equation...
  30. D

    Engineering Laplace tranforms, transient current series CR circuit

    Homework Statement A step voltage of 120v is applied to a series CR circuit. R = 20KΩ, C = 4µF 1. Deduce, using Kirchoff's voltage law and Laplace Transforms, an expression for the transient circuit current. 2. Using the equation obtained in 1. deduce the equations for the transient voltages...
  31. Vitani11

    Inverse Laplace transform for an irreducible quadratic?

    Homework Statement I have to take the inverse Laplace of this function (xoms+bxo)/(ms2+bs+k) this can not be broken into partial fractions because it just gives me the same thing I started with. How is this done? This is coming from the laplace of the position function for a harmonic oscillator...
  32. G

    Laplace transform of derivative of convolution

    Prelude Consider the convolution h(t) of two function f(t) and g(t): $$h(t) = f(t) \ast g(t)=\int_0^t f(t-\tau) g(\tau) d \tau$$ then we know that by the properties of convolution $$\frac{d h(t)}{d t} = \frac{d f(t)}{d t} \ast g(t) = f(t) \ast \frac{d g(t)}{d t}$$ Intermezzo We also know that...
  33. Cocoleia

    Laplace transforms in circuit analysis, finding missing values

    Homework Statement The Attempt at a Solution At this point, usually I would replace the values and sometimes separate into partial fractions, and then take the inverse Laplace transformation. So I know that the inverse Laplace needs to give me 6+12e^-2t. I am given the answers in my...
  34. Cocoleia

    Using Laplace to solve circuit analysis

    Homework Statement The Attempt at a Solution As you can see, the answer is given in the problem. I have the 0.8t par right but somewhere along the way I messed up. I'm not really to sure about how to solve these types of problems using Laplace. Is there a general procedure that I should be...
  35. D

    Inverting Shifted Laplace function

    Homework Statement A beam is supported at one end, as shown in the diagram (PROBLEM 11 page 281 of Lea, 159 of the course pack). A block of mass M and length l is placed on the beam, as shown. Write down the known conditions at x = 0. Use the Laplace transform to solve for the beam...
  36. Eclair_de_XII

    How to abstractly prove a Laplace transform identity?

    Homework Statement "Suppose that ##F(s) = L[f(t)]## exists for ##s > a ≥ 0##. (a) Show that if c is a positive constant, then ##L[f(ct)]=\frac{1}{c}F(\frac{s}{c})## Homework Equations ##L[f(t)]=\int_0^\infty f(t)e^{-st}dt## The Attempt at a Solution ##L[f(ct)]=\int_0^\infty f(ct)e^{-st}dt##...
  37. cg78ithaca

    A Inverse Laplace transform of a piecewise defined function

    I understand the conditions for the existence of the inverse Laplace transforms are $$\lim_{s\to\infty}F(s) = 0$$ and $$ \lim_{s\to\infty}(sF(s))<\infty. $$ I am interested in finding the inverse Laplace transform of a piecewise defined function defined, such as $$F(s) =\begin{cases} 1-s...
  38. cg78ithaca

    A Inverse Laplace transform of F(s)=exp(-as) as delta(t-a)

    This is mostly a procedural question regarding how to evaluate a Bromwich integral in a case that should be simple. I'm looking at determining the inverse Laplace transform of a simple exponential F(s)=exp(-as), a>0. It is known that in this case f(t) = delta(t-a). Using the Bromwich formula...
  39. J

    A Can you solve (a-bx)y'+(c-dx)y-e=0 with a,b,c,d,e constants?

    I'm having trouble solving the differential equation (a-bx)y'+(c-dx)y-e=0 with a,b,c,d,e constants. I tried laplace transforming it, but then I end up with yet another differential equation in the laplace domain because of the xy and xy' terms.
  40. ntran26

    A Inversion of Division of Bessel Functions in Laplace Domain?

    Hello all, I am trying to take the inversion of this function that is in Laplace domain. I've tried using a wolfram alpha solver, and I know I can probably use stehfest algorithm to numerically solve it but wanted to know if there was an exact solution. the function is...
  41. K

    How to find the Inverse Laplace Transform of this function?

    Homework Statement ƒ(s) = 1/((1-exp(-s))*(1+s)) Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I know the solution is periodic but how to obtain the t-domain function?
  42. S

    MHB Laplace transform of a series in time t

    Hi I have a series ${f}_{1}$ , ${f}_{2}$, ... that are all a functions of a variable $t$ I am seeking a point-wise convergence. to investigate the convergence of the series I took Laplace transform. If I can find a condition on the Laplace variable $s$, can I find the condition of convergence...
  43. sliperyfrog

    How to use the Laplace Transform on a DE with a time coefficent

    Homework Statement ty'' + y' = 2t2, y(0) = 0Homework Equations laplace(f''(t)) = s2laplace(f(t)) -sf(0) - f'(0) (-1) (d/ds) (F(s))The Attempt at a Solution I know how to solve the problem except for the ty'' part. I tried using the equation and I got -d/ds(s2Y(s) - 0 - f'(0)) which becomes...
  44. R

    Help with solving Laplace Transform problem

    Homework Statement Solve Laplace Transform L{tsin(2t)sin(5t)} Homework Equations cos(bt)=s/s^2+b^2 trig identity (product identity): sin(a)sin(b)=1/2[cos(a-b)-cos(a+b) t^nf(t)=(-1)^nd^n/ds^nF(S) (the template is complicated for me to use. Srry for the inconvinience) The Attempt at a Solution...
  45. C

    Inverse Laplace transform

    Homework Statement Determine the inverse Laplace transform Homework Equations 3s+9. (s+3)^2+7 The Attempt at a Solution [/B] Hi iam new to the forum and still unsure how to make the equations the correct format so hope you can understand what I have typed. I have Tried to Convert...
  46. C

    Is There a More Efficient Method for Solving This Inverse Laplace Transform?

    Homework Statement Determine the inverse Laplace transform Homework Equations 3s+9/(s+3)^2+7 The Attempt at a Solution Converted to 3s+9/s^2+6s+16 to try and use the partial fractions method but getting nowhere. I'm Not sure if Iam making the question more difficult, can't seem to put the...
  47. mattyboson12

    Control systems -- input with non-zero initial conditions

    Homework Statement Deriving an s-domain equation for the following inputs a) &b) The Attempt at a Solution I understand how to derive the equation for an input with zero initial conditions (part a) but I'm not sure what to do when there are non-zero initial conditions (part b)
  48. H

    A tricky inverse Laplace transform

    Homework Statement I want to invert a function from Laplace transform space to normal space. Homework Equations In Laplace transform space, the function takes the form $$ \bar f (s) = \frac{\exp\left[ x (-a +\sqrt{a^2+ b +c s} )\right]}{-a +\sqrt{a^2+ b +c s}}. $$ Here, ##s## is the Laplace...
  49. G

    Does Laplace's demon know about entropy?

    Hi. I read this thread with great interest and have similar question: In a deterministic universe, does entropy exist for Laplace's demon? Since he knows the universe to it's microstate, does the term "macrostate" even make sense to him? And say there is a "half-demon" that only knows the...
  50. S

    B Laplace Transform for Cosine Function: Can You Obtain a Transfer Function?

    Hi Guys, I have an equation I'm trying to work out if it 'Laplaceable'? As in, can I get a transfer function? d2y(t)/dt2 = k⋅cos(Φ)⋅y(t)
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