Laplace transform Definition and 44 Discussions

In mathematics, the Laplace transform, named after its inventor Pierre-Simon Laplace (), is an integral transform that converts a function of a real variable



t


{\displaystyle t}
(often time) to a function of a complex variable



s


{\displaystyle s}
(complex frequency). The transform has many applications in science and engineering because it is a tool for solving differential equations. In particular, it transforms linear differential equations into algebraic equations and convolution into multiplication.For suitable functions f, the Laplace transform is the integral






L


{
f
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s
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=



0





f
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e


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t



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t
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{\displaystyle {\mathcal {L}}\{f\}(s)=\int _{0}^{\infty }f(t)e^{-st}\,dt.}

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  1. M

    Engineering How to implement a transfer function in Simulink with variable coefficients?

    The implementations for the two filters in simulink are as follow: For the first filter: For the second one: The obtained results have values of 10^-12, while the expected results should be between 10^-3 - 10. Since it's the first time when I try t implement a tf with variable coefficients I...
  2. H

    Solving ##y'' - 5 y' - 6y = e^{3x}## using Laplace Transform

    We have to solve $$ \begin{align*} y'' - 5y' - 6y = e^{3x} \\ y(0) = 2,~~ y'(0) = 1 \\ \end{align*} $$ Applying Laplace Transform the equation $$ \begin{align*} L [ y''] - 5 L[y'] - 6 L[y] = L [ e^{3x} ] \\ s^2 Y(s) - \left( s y(0) + y'(0) \right) - 5s Y(s) + y(0) - 6 Y(s) = \frac{1}{s-3} \\...
  3. H

    Mellin transform of Dirac delta function ##\delta(t-a)##

    Hi, I found Laplace transform of this Dirac delta function which is ##F(s) = e^{-st}## since ##\int_{\infty}^{-\infty} f(t) \delta (t-a) dt = f(a)## and that ##\delta(x) = 0## if ##x \neq 0## Then the Mellin transform ##f(t) = \frac{1}{2 \pi i} \int_{\gamma - i \omega}^{\gamma +i \omega}...
  4. A

    I Laplace Transform of cos(t)/t

    So, I know the direct definition of the Laplace Transform: $$ \mathcal{L}\{f(t) \} = \int_0^\infty e^{-st}f(t)dt$$ So when I plug in: $$\frac{\cos(t)}{t}$$ I get a divergent integral. however:https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=+Laplace+transform+cos%28t%29%2F%28t%29 is supposed to be the...
  5. patric44

    Laplace tranform of exp(at)/t

    hi guys i am facing a little problem calculating this Laplace transform ## \mathscr{L}(\frac{e^{\alpha t}}{t})## , when calculate it using the method of the inverse Laplace transform its equal to $$ ln{\frac{1}{s-\alpha}}$$ but then when i try to use the theorem $$...
  6. R

    I Inverse Laplace transform of a rational function

    I struggle to find an appropriate inverse Laplace transform of the following $$F(p)= 2^n a^n \frac{p^{n-1}}{(p+a)^{2n}}, \quad a>0.$$ WolframAlpha gives as an answer $$f(t)= 2^n a^n t^n \frac{_1F_1 (2n;n+1;-at)}{\Gamma(n+1)}, \quad (_1F_1 - \text{confluent hypergeometric function})$$ which...
  7. thoraxepi

    I Transfer Function relating momentum and force

    Hey all, I hope this is the correct forum section to post this in. I heard about this problem from a youtube video but I've not been able to simulate it because the video was meant only for an introduction into PID control. Here's the problem: A remote control helicopter is hovering just...
  8. C

    Solving a 2D PDE using the Fourier Transform

    Homework Statement Solve the following partial differential equation , using Fourier Transform: Given the following: And a initial condition: Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution First , i associate spectral variables to the x and t variables: ## k ## is the spectral variable...
  9. B

    Laplace Transform Time Shift Property

    Homework Statement I’m being asked to prove if and why (what instances in which) T<0 for the Laplace transform property of time shifting doesn’t hold. Homework Equations L{f(t-T)}=e^-aT* F(s) The Attempt at a Solution I know that for T<0 there are instances where the property cannot hold, but...
  10. 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...
  11. 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
  12. 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...
  13. 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...
  14. 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...
  15. 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...
  16. cg78ithaca

    A Modeling diffusion and convection in a complex system

    I am trying to come up with an analytical solution (even as a infinite series etc.) for the following diffusion-convection problem. A thin layer of gel (assumed rectangular) is in direct contact with a liquid layer (perfusate) flowing with velocity v in the x direction (left to right) just...
  17. 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...
  18. 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...
  19. whatphysics

    Engineering Math: Laplace Transform

    Not homework question, just need clarification and explanation. How did the person get from the left equation to the right side. I know he's just simplifying. But he didn't include steps and I've been trying to work out how to no avail. Any help on how this person simplified the LHS to RHS? Thanks!
  20. E

    A Triple Product in Laplace Transform

    Hello - I'm not sure this is where this should go, but I'm working with Laplace Transforms and differential equations, so this seems as good a place as any. Also, I doubt this is graduate level math strictly speaking, but I went about as high as you can go in calculus and linear algebra during...
  21. Houeto

    A Initial value ODE with shifting forcing function

    Use laplace Transform to solve this ode: So I got: sV(s)-V(0)-12V(s)=U(s+5) V(s)(s-12)=U(s+5)+1 V(s)=[U(s+5)+1]/(s-12) Now to go back to time domain with Inverse Laplace Transform...My question is, how to transform U(s+5)/(s-12)? Any help? Thanks guys
  22. Summer95

    The Dirac Delta Function

    Homework Statement Differential equation: ##Ay''+By'+Cy=f(t)## with ##y_{0}=y'_{0}=0## Write the solution as a convolution (##a \neq b##). Let ##f(t)= n## for ##t_{0} < t < t_{0}+\frac{1}{n}##. Find y and then let ##n \rightarrow \infty##. Then solve the differential equation with...
  23. R

    Inverse Laplace Transform

    Homework Statement Given the Laplace transform $$F_L(s) = \frac{1}{(s+2)(s^2+4)},$$ by using the complex inversion formula compute the inverse Laplace transform, ##f(t),## for the following regions of convergence: (i) ##Re(s)<-2;## (ii) ##-2<Re(s)<0;## (iii) ##Re(s)>0.## Homework Equations...
  24. D

    I How to find Y(s)/X(s)

    y(t) = u(t - a) . x(t) u(t) is a unit step function. I have to find Y(s)/X(s). Do I have to do convolution in frequency domain?
  25. ltkach2015

    Dartmouth Extended Laplace Tables -- Not general enough? item26.a

    Homework Statement [/B] http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sullivan/22files/New%20Laplace%20Transform%20Table.pdf (see item 26a) homogenous solution to underdamped in amplitude phase form: (see attached image) 2. Relevant info - non zero initial conditions: x(t=0) = xo AND dx/dt(t=0) = vo - unforced...
  26. A

    Help with Laplace Transform

    Homework Statement Diagram for a vehicle suspension is given. Displacement of wheel is given by 'x' and and displacement of body is 'y'. Spring constant, k = (7*10^4) Nm Damping coefficient, c = (3*10^3) N/m/s mass,m = 250kg a) Make a Laplace Transform of system and utilize it to predict 'y'...
  27. j3dwards

    Explicit check for Laplace transform?

    Homework Statement Solve the following initial value problem using Laplace transforms: y' + 4y = 3t3 e−4t ; y(0) = 0 . Useful information: Recall that the Laplace transform of y 0 is pY − y(0), where Y is the Laplace Transform of y. The Laplace transform of tk e−at is k!/(p + a)k+1 . Confirm...
  28. J

    How would I take the laplace transform of f(t)= te^tsin^2(t)?

    How would I take the laplace transform of f(t)= te^tsin^2(t)?
  29. D

    Laplace tranform of unitstep (heaviside) function

    Homework Statement [/B] I know for t[u(t)-u(t-2)], we can simplify that to tu(t)-((t-2)+2)u(t-2) which then gives us tu(t)-(t-2)u(t-2)-u(t-2). Now, the laplace transform seems trivial but I am having problems with this equation: sin(t)[u(t)-u(t-pi)] Homework...
  30. Linder88

    Laplace transform of y''(t')

    The ordinary differential equation, with initial values,shall be solved using Laplace transform. The ODE looks like this \begin{equation} y''(t')+2y''(t)-2y(t)=0 \end{equation} And the initial conditions are \begin{equation} y(0)=y'(0)=0, y''(0)=0 \end{equation} The problem is with the first...
  31. J

    Is there a mistake in my calculation or in my reasoning?

    Homework Statement y'' + 3y' + 2y = r(t), r(t) = u(t - 1) - u(t - 2), y(0) = y'(0) = 0. I need to solve this by convolution, which I know is commutative. The problem is that my calculation gives (f * g) =/= (g * f). Could someone please tell me where my mistake is? Homework Equations...
  32. J

    Keep getting the wrong answer in this lengthy Laplace problem

    Homework Statement y'' + 4y = 8t^2 if 0 < t < 5, and 0 if t > 5; y(1) = 1 + cos(2), y'(1) = 4 - 2sin(2). Use the Laplace transform to find y. Homework Equations t-shift, s-shift, unit step function. The Attempt at a Solution I have been trying to solve it for hours, but keep getting the wrong...
  33. C

    Laplace Transforms Involving: Unit-Step, and Ramp Functions

    Homework Statement Here is an imgur link to my assignment: http://imgur.com/N0l2Buk I also uploaded it as a picture and attached it to this post. Homework Equations u_c (t) = \begin{cases} 1 & \text{if } t \geq c \\ 0 & \text{if } t < c \end{cases} The Attempt at a Solution Question 1.1 -...
  34. Italo Campoli

    Prove a Laplace Transform Equality

    Homework Statement Prove that http://www4f.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP26931c1531g07285beh7000062h7f6g1ggd95eea?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=5&w=98.&h=38. [Broken] =http://www4f.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP6901c153574d0bdbh20000048829f0g4d1fi1d0?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=5&w=69.&h=35...
  35. khurram usman

    A discussion about Fourier and Laplace transforms and calculus

    i have read many of the answers and explanations about the similarities and differences between laplace and Fourier transform. Laplace can be used to analyze unstable systems. Fourier is a subset of laplace. Some signals have Fourier but laplace is not defined , for instance cosine or sine...
  36. B

    Ζ in a intial value problem?

    hi, if there is a initial value problem with a ζ in it with specified values what do you do with it when taking the laplace transform?
  37. H

    Need explanation on Laplace Transform and Fourier Transform

    Hello guys. I need an easy explanation regarding Laplace Transform and Fourier Transform. I know it is quite a mathematics question but I need an explanation in which it has something to do with engineering. I already search a bit about them but still cannot find and explanation that easy enough...
  38. S

    Inverse Discrete Laplace Transform

    Hi, I have an idea which when tested looks like its clearly flawed. I am hoping someone can tell me where my procedure is flawed, or point me to some other theory that has already done something similar. The first two are the laplace transform. The third line is the Fourier Transform. The...
  39. END

    Inverse Laplace Transformation

    Homework Statement Solve the following: $$\mathscr{L}_s^{-1} \left\{ \frac{s}{s^2-s+\frac{17}{4}} \right\}$$ Homework Equations Table of Laplace Transforms. The Attempt at a Solution The solution is $$f(t) = (1/4 )e^{t/2} (\sin(2 t)+4 \cos(2 t))$$ I know I need to break up ##F(s)## into...
  40. D

    LaPlace transform method to find the equation of motion

    < Mentor Note -- thread moved to HH from the technical math forums, so no HH Template is shown > So this is the problem Here is the question: A 32lb weight strecthes a spring 2ft.The weight is released from rest at the equilibrium position. beginning at t=0, a force equal to f(t)= sint acts on...
  41. R

    Why the Fourier transform is so important compared to other?

    I am engineering student and studying signal processing. The term Fourier transform comes in the discussion several times. There are many transforms like Laplace transform,Z transform,Wavelet transform.But as per my view ,Fourier transform is mostly used compared to others in general. My...
  42. I

    Laplace Transform of A Second Order ODE

    23.) y'' + 2y' + y = 4e-t; y(0) = 2, y'(0) = -1 Y(s) = [(as + b) y(0) + a y'(0) + F(s)]/(as2 + bs + c) My attempt: a = 1, b = 2, c = 1 F(s) = 4 L{ e-t } = 4/(s+1) (From Laplace Transform Table) Plugging and simplifying: Y(s) = (2s2 + 5s + 7)/[(s + 1)(s2 + 2s + 1) Here is where I get...
  43. R

    Inverse Laplace Transform with e^{a s}

    Homework Statement How can I take the Inverse Laplace Transform of $F(s) = \frac{d}{ds}\left(\frac{1-e^{5s}}{s}\right)$? I have tried going with inverse of the derivative and convolution (even tried evaluating the derivative and go from there) but although I can get to some results none of them...
  44. MexChemE

    Integrating factor vs. Laplace. Engineering problems

    Hello PF! We were doing mass balances on mixing tanks in one of my ChemE courses, and in one of the problems we arrived at the following DE: \frac{dC_B}{d \theta} + 0.025C_B=0.0125 e^{-0.025 \theta} Where CB is the concetration of salt in the tank and θ is time. The professor made us solve the...
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