A formula for sinusoidal graphs of this form?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around generating a sinusoidal graph where time itself oscillates sinusoidally, affecting the amplitude and frequency of the output. Participants explore mathematical formulations to achieve this, with a focus on the relationship between time and oscillation in the context of signal modulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt to create a sinusoidal graph using the function amplitude = sin(time*sin(time)), noting that it does not behave as expected as time increases.
  • Another participant suggests the form x(t) = A sin(ω(sin(kt))) as a potential solution.
  • A historical reference is made to a similar problem encountered in 1975, emphasizing the need for a constant offset in the inner sine function to ensure positivity.
  • One participant proposes using the integral of the function being modulated to achieve the desired frequency modulation effect.
  • Another participant argues that the inner time function should be monotonically increasing, recommending a modification to x + sin(x) instead of sin(time).
  • A different mathematical formulation is presented, involving parameters for maximum and minimum frequencies and a phase offset.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the proposed functions maintain monotonicity, with calls for testing and graphing the functions to verify their behavior.
  • A later reply acknowledges the need for integration to derive the phase, suggesting a revised function that incorporates this adjustment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate mathematical forms to use, with no consensus reached on a single solution. There is ongoing debate about the necessity of monotonicity in the functions proposed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of ensuring that the argument to the outer sine function is monotonic and that the frequency should be integrated rather than simply multiplied by time. There are unresolved questions regarding the effectiveness of the proposed functions in achieving the desired output.

Carla17
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Hey all

I am trying to generate a graph of a sinusoidally oscillation against time. However, the time itself is passing sinusodally, i.e time flows faster at some points and slower at others. I'm doing this as I need test data for a program I've written to decode real world data I'm generating which comes in this format.

Here is an excel graph of the closest I've come (amplitude = sin(time*sin(time))), however this is not quite correct, as it goes off as time increases (as the time between oscillations get closer and closer. but between t=10 and t =20 you can get a good idea of what I'm after.)

I have also stuck a very crude sketch of the type of output I desire. What's the mathematical form of this?

Many thanks for your help.

C x

pic_of_desired_output.jpg
 
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BTW, in the excel version, the only reason my graph doesn't reach an amplitude of 1 consistently is due to a low sampling rate.
 
Something like [itex]x(t)= A sin(\omega (sin(kt))[/itex] should work.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Something like [itex]x(t)= A sin(\omega (sin(kt))[/itex] should work.

I think I first encountered this problem in 1975 of so at the University of Illinois. An older student, Rob Kolstad, was trying to do a graph of a frequency modulation wave form for use in a course he was running on a CAI system named PLATO. He was trying to do much the same thing, modulating a sine function into the frequency of a sine wave carrier.

He was smart enough to realize that you have to add a constant offset to the inner sin function so that it's always positive. But, as I recall, that still gives an answer that's wrong.

You want to use the _integral_ of the function that you are trying to modulate onto the carrier. That way the frequency of the function that you are graphing varies as the derivative of that integral -- i.e. as the signal that you're trying to carry.
 
Welcome to PF, Carla17! :smile:

Your inner time function should increase monotonously.
##\sin(time)## does not do that.

Try for instance ##x + \sin(x)## instead.
That one will just be increasing monotonously.The complete function would be something like:
$$amplitude = \sin(\omega (t + \frac 1 k \sin(kt)))$$
where
##\omega## is the average angular frequency of the high frequency wave,
##k## is the angular frequency of the compression/decompression cycle,
##\frac 1 k## is the compensating factor to make the time just increasing, you may want to dampen it with another factor.​
Here's an example: http://m.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sin(11*(t+++(1/3)*sin(2*t))&x=0&y=0
It graphs ##\sin(11 (t + \frac 1 3 \sin(2t)))##.
 
Last edited:
Why don't you guys use the obvious form

[tex]f(t)=<br /> A\sin\left(<br /> \left( \frac{\omega_\text{max}-\omega_\text{min}}{2}<br /> \left(<br /> \sin\left(<br /> \omega_\text{mod}t+\phi_\text{mod} <br /> \right)+1<br /> \right)+\omega_\text{min}<br /> \right)t + \phi_\text{carrier}<br /> \right)[/tex]

with [itex]\omega_\text{carrier}>\omega_\text{mod}[/itex]? Am I missing something?
 
Am I missing something?

Yes.

Look at your the argument to the outer sine function. Is it monotone increasing? Are you sure? Have you tested it with some sample values? Have you graphed it? If you don't believe that it needs to be monotone increasing, have you actually picked some test parameters and graphed the function you propose?

"I like Serena" has pointed out that the argument to the outer sin function must be monotone increasing.

I have pointed out that it should be the integral of the [hopefully positive] function that you were trying to modulate onto the carrier.
 
Oh you're right the frequency should be integrated to get the phase, it cannot simply be multiplied by t. Sorry for that. This should be better. And it plots ok ;)

[tex] f(t)= <br /> A\sin\left( <br /> \frac{\omega_\text{max}-\omega_\text{min}}{2} <br /> \left( \frac{<br /> \sin\left( <br /> \omega_\text{mod}t+\phi_\text{mod} <br /> \right)}{\omega_\text{mod}}+t <br /> \right)+\omega_\text{min} t + \phi_\text{carrier} <br /> \right)[/tex]
 

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