Computing an integral -- any method

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of the integral ## \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \frac{ e^{-\sqrt{(x^2 + 1)}}}{(x^2 + 1)^2} dx ##. Participants explore various methods for evaluating this integral, including numerical and analytical approaches, while considering its application in research related to near-field electromagnetic physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially considered using contour integration but later questioned its applicability due to convergence issues in complex space.
  • Another participant suggested a numerical approach, providing an approximate value from Wolfram Alpha and inquiring about the required accuracy.
  • A participant expressed a need for an analytical result rather than a numerical approximation.
  • There is curiosity about whether the integral is part of a homework problem, with one participant clarifying that it is related to their research in near-field electromagnetic physics and that solving this integral is crucial for further calculations involving constants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the preferred method for solving the integral, with differing views on the necessity of an analytical result versus a numerical approximation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying levels of urgency and necessity regarding the integral's solution, with some participants emphasizing the importance of the analytical form for subsequent research applications.

Karthiksrao
Messages
66
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I have been trying to find an integral ## \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \frac{ e^{-\sqrt{(x^2 + 1)}}}{(x^2 + 1)^2} dx ##.

I initially posted this question in the complex analysis forum since I felt it might be done using contour integration. However now I realize it might not be the best way to go about as the integral over the curve in complex space does not converge to zero as the radius of the curve tends to infinity.

Any suggestions on how I can get this integral done?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I suggest you do it numerically. What level of accuracy do you need? Wolfram Alpha says it is about 0.47569. Is that good enough?
 
aah, sorry. I do need an analytical result.
 
Karthiksrao said:
aah, sorry. I do need an analytical result.

I'm curious why. Is it a homework problem, then? It's a definite integral, so the answer is just a number. If you need the number for subsequent calculations, just call it β and plug in the numerical result when you get to the end.
 
phyzguy said:
I'm curious why. Is it a homework problem, then? It's a definite integral, so the answer is just a number. If you need the number for subsequent calculations, just call it β and plug in the numerical result when you get to the end.
Nope its not a homework problem. I do research in near-field electromagnetic physics. The original integral has several constants which will later be used for other results. I simplified the original integral to this form. If I solve this problem I will be able to solve the original integral in terms of those constants.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K