Determine a transfer function in the `s` domain and the response to a ramp input

In summary: So the input function is ##u(t)=4t##So ##U(s)=\frac{4}{s^2}##, which is ##\frac{a}{s^2}## where ##a=4##So ##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}##, which is ##\frac{4}{s^2(s+4)}##So when i invert this I get ##y(t)=2t^2-2t+1+e^-4t##This does not seem to be correctI am assuming my error is in the Partial FractionsI am going to try and do the Partial Fractions againI have ##\frac{4}{
  • #1
David J
Gold Member
140
15
1. A process can be represented by the first order equation

##4\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+y(t)=3u(t)##

Assume the initial steady state is steady (y=0 at t=-0)

(a) Determine the transfer function of this process in the s domain

(b) If the input is a ramp change in u(t)=4t, determine the value of y(t) when t=10s2. For part (a) i had to use laplace transform on ##4\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+y(t)=3u(t)## term by term

For part (b) I used ##y(t) = 4[-\tau+t+\tau e^-\frac{t}{\tau}##]

3. First of all for part a

##4\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+y(t)=3u(t)##

##4[sy(s)-y(s)]+y(s)=3u(s)##

So ##4[sy(s)+y(s)=3u(s)##

or ##y(s)[4s+1]=3u(s)##

So the transfer function (output / input) or gain for this process in the `s` domain would be:-

##G(s)=\frac{y(s)}{3u(s)}=\frac{1}{4s+1}##

The attachment (part A example) is from my notes which I have basically tried to adapt to this solution and follow
I am still working on part b and will post my solution in a couple of days but I was wondering if someone could look at this so far and advise.
 

Attachments

  • Part A example.pdf
    47.9 KB · Views: 313
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Laplace transform of y' is sy(s)-y(0)
 
  • #3
Should this equation

##4[sy(s)-y(s)]+y(s)=3u(s)##

read like this

##4[sy(s)-y(0)]+y(s)=3u(s)## ??

I just noticed in the lesson it shows it as

##4[sy(s)-y_{-0}]+y(s)=3u(s)##

Are these 2 equations more or less the same ??
 
  • #4
David J said:
Should this equation

##4[sy(s)-y(s)]+y(s)=3u(s)##

read like this

##4[sy(s)-y(0)]+y(s)=3u(s)## ??

I just noticed in the lesson it shows it as

##4[sy(s)-y_{-0}]+y(s)=3u(s)##

Are these 2 equations more or less the same ??
The latter form is better. The second term should represent the value of y at t = 0 (not s = 0).
 
  • #5
So would the correct solution be

##4\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+y(t)=3u(t)##

##4[sy(s)-y_{-0}]+y(s)=3u(s)##

So ##4[sy(s)]+y(s)=3u(s)##

or ##y(s)[4s+1]=3u(s)##

So the transfer function (output / input) or gain for this process in the `s` domain would be:-

##G(s)=\frac{y(s)}{3u(s)}=\frac{1}{4s+1}##
 
  • #6
So if u(t) is your input function, I'm not sure about putting 3 coefficient multiplied by u(s) in the denominator. Shouldn't it be just Y(s) / U(s) ?
Also, l like capital letters for the functions in the Laplace domain and lower case in the time domain. That's the way I learned it.
 
  • Like
Likes FactChecker and gneill
  • #7
I used the coefficient of 3 because I am given that in the original question so my thinking is I need to use all of those original values given in ##4\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+y(t)=3u(t)##
I notice in my attachment that they use capitals. Still learning this to be honest so any tips are appreciated
 
  • #8
Regarding the second part of this question

##4\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+y(t)=3u(t)##

(b) If the input is a ramp change in u(t)=4t, determine the value of y(t) when t=10s

they give me an example in the form of ##constant multiplier[-\tau+t+\tau e^-\frac{t}{\tau}]##

I am assuming my constant multiplier is 4 so:-

##y(10)=4[-3+10+3e^-\frac{10}{3}]##

##y(10)=4[7+0.10702198]##

##y(10)=4[14.10707]##

##y(10)=56.42808##

Is this the correct approach ??
 
  • #9
If

##G(s) = \frac{Y(s)}{U(s)}##

is your transfer function, then

##Y(s) = G(s) U(s)##.

Take the inverse Laplace transform of ##G(s) U(s)## to find the time domain function of the response to the input u(t). You will first need to find the Laplace transform of your input function u(t) = 4t.
 
  • Like
Likes scottdave
  • #10
I have gone back through my notes again and found a few errors in my initial posts so I have tried to start again.

My values are :-
##\tau=4##
##t=10##
##K=3##

##\tau\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+y(t)=Ku(t)##

##\frac{dy(t)}{dt}+\frac{1}{\tau}y(t)=\frac{Ku(t)}{\tau}##

##[sY(s)+y(-0)]+\frac{Y(s)}{\tau}=\frac{Ku(s)}{\tau}##

the question tells me to assume the initial steady state is ##y=0## at ##t=-0##

##sY(s)+\frac{Y(s)}{\tau}=\frac{KU(s)}{\tau}##

or ##Y(s)(s+\frac{1}{\tau})=\frac{KU(s)}{\tau}##

The transfer function in the `s` domain ##G(s)##, is input, ##Y(s)##, over output, ##U(s)##

So

##G(s)=\frac{Y(s)}{U(s)}=\frac{\frac{K}{\tau}}{(s+\frac{1}{\tau})}=\frac{K}{\tau(s+\frac{1}{\tau})}##

##=\frac{K}{\tau s +1}##

I feel this answers part `a` of the question

In order to find the value of ##Y(t)## I have to transform ##Y(s)## to the time domain.

I need to re arrange the transfer function equation when the input change is a ramp

##Y(s)=\frac{{K}{\tau}}{(s+{1}{\tau})}*\frac{1}{s^2}=\frac{{K}{\tau}}{s^2(s+\frac{1}{\tau})}##

So ##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}##where ##a=\frac{1}{\tau}##

So ##y(t)=K^2(1-e^-\frac{t}{\tau})##

So ##y(10)=3^2(1-e^-\frac{10}{4})##

So ##y(10)=3^2(1-e^-\frac{10}{4})=8.261235##

I think this answers part `b` but I am wondering if this equation ##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}##where ##a=\frac{1}{\tau}## is correct for the ramp function

I have taken this information from my notes but my notes only tell me about the step function. I have to assume the ramp function and adapt it to this particular problem
 
Last edited:
  • #11
The input function is u(t) = 4t. What's it's Laplace transform? You've used ##\frac{1}{s^2}##, which is not correct as it's missing the constant "4".

You will likely want to employ partial fractions to carve the transfer*input function into digestible portions that you can look up in a table of inverse Laplace transforms (unless your table is particularly extensive :smile:). The Wikipedia page on the Laplace Transform has a short but useful list.
 
  • #12
I am getting slightly confused now as I have followed the lesson for the step function exactly as it is explained, I thought I just needed to change for the ramp function. I had a look at the tables online and it shows the ramp function as I have used. Whilst I dig into this again can you advise on my answer to part `a` in the post 10? Is this correct now or still requiring ? I feel part `a` is correct now
upload_2018-12-26_18-33-27.png
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-12-26_18-33-27.png
    upload_2018-12-26_18-33-27.png
    5.7 KB · Views: 1,617
  • #13
Your part (a) is fine.

You used the correct form for the ramp function but forgot its scaling factor of 4.
David J said:
##Y(s)=\frac{{K}{\tau}}{(s+{1}{\tau})}*\frac{1}{s^2}=\frac{{K}{\tau}}{s^2(s+\frac{1}{\tau})}##

So ##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}##where ##a=\frac{1}{\tau}##

So ##y(t)=K^2(1-e^-\frac{t}{\tau})##
I don't know why you chose that inverse transform, but it doesn't match the Laplace form expression above it. The one you chose is for what's called an "exponential approach". The ##s^2## rather than ##s## in the denominator makes a difference.

Quite often, unless you have a pretty extensive list of transforms you may not find an exact match for a given Laplace domain function. In such cases you'll want to break it down into more "primitive" chunks that will be found in the tables. Usually that means employing partial factions on the expression.
 
  • #14
Good Morning

I attached a copy of the step response example I was given in my lessons. I thought it was just a case of changing ##\frac{1}{s}## to ##\frac{1}{s^2}## but I am not sure it is so straight forward now. The attachment is good for step response but I am now assuming that as part of the learning curve we are supposed to be able to adapt this to a ramp response. (This is an open learning course with limited tutor assistance from the university)

I think the laplace transform of ##u(t)=4t## should have been ##U(s)=\frac{4}{s^2}##

I am now looking at the partial fraction idea and will try to update this thread in the next day or so with my attempt
 

Attachments

  • Example of step response Q and A.pdf
    52.2 KB · Views: 282
  • #15
David J said:
Good Morning

I attached a copy of the step response example I was given in my lessons. I thought it was just a case of changing ##\frac{1}{s}## to ##\frac{1}{s^2}## but I am not sure it is so straight forward now. The attachment is good for step response but I am now assuming that as part of the learning curve we are supposed to be able to adapt this to a ramp response. (This is an open learning course with limited tutor assistance from the university)

I think the laplace transform of ##u(t)=4t## should have been ##U(s)=\frac{4}{s^2}##

I am now looking at the partial fraction idea and will try to update this thread in the next day or so with my attempt
That's all good. :smile:

Note that in the Laplace domain, dividing by s is equivalent to integration. So if you used your step response version to find the time domain response to the step, you could then integrate that time domain response (in the time domain) to find the ramp response, but you'd also have to find the constant of integration. Easily done since you do have the value of y(0).
 
  • #16
Ok here goes for attempt number ?

This is taken from my lesson where it explains the partial fraction method. I have posted this to work out if this is the correct way to work out this problem. I think this is what you are relating to.


##u(t)=4t##

##u(s)=4*\frac{1}{s^2} or \frac{4}{s^2}##

##y(s)=[\frac{3}{4s+1}]u(s)=[\frac{3}{4s+1}][\frac{4}{s^2}]##


##y(s)=\frac{12}{s^2(4s+1)}=\frac{3}{s^2(s+\frac{1}{4})}## or ##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}##

##a=\frac{1}{\tau}##
##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}##
is not in the list of transforms so we have to use partial fractions to find available transforms

##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}## = ##\frac{(As+B)}{s^2}## + ##\frac{C}{(s+a)}##

A, B and C are constants

Multiply both sides by
##s^2(s+a)##

##a=As^2 +Bs+Aas+Ba+C^2##

## S=0 ##
##a =Ba##
##B=1##

##s^1##
0=##B+Aa##


Substituting for ##B## from above we get:-
##0=1+aA##

and

##A=\frac{-1}{a}##

##s^2##
0=##A+C##
##A+C=0##

Substituting for ##A, C=\frac{1}{a}##

Putting these values back into the standard partial fraction equation, we get:-

##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}## = ##\frac{(-\frac{s}{a^2}+\frac{1}{a})}{s^2}## + ##\frac{\frac{1}{a^2}}{{(s+a)}}##

This equals ##\frac{(-\frac{s}{a}+1)}{s^2}## + ##\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{{(s+a)}}##

This can be simplified by separating off the ##\frac{(-\frac{s}{a}+1)}{s^2}## term into fractions

##-\frac{\frac{s}{a}}{s^2}## + ##\frac{1}{s^2}##=##-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}##+##\frac{1}{s^2}##

Substitute this back in the equation to give the final result

##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}## = ##-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}## + ##\frac{1}{s^2}## + ##\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s+a)}##

These 3 terms each have a transform:-

##-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}## transforms to ##-\frac{1}{a}##

##\frac{1}{s^2}## transforms to ##t##

##\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s+a)}## transforms to ##\frac{1}{a}e^-at##

at this point the lesson explains that equation can now be transformed for the ramped input.

I am given a constant multiplier of 0.5

i.e. ##G(s)=\frac{0.5a}{s^2(s+a)}##

##a=\frac{1}{\tau}##

##G(s)=0.5[-\frac{{1}}{\frac{1}{\tau}}+t+\frac{{1}}{\frac{1}{\tau}}e^-\frac{t}{\tau}]##

##=0.5[-\tau+t+\tau e^-\frac{t}{\tau}]##

This is the equation I posted in post 8 of this thread but I used the following values

##\tau=4##
##t=10##
##K=3## (Constant multiplier)

I appreciate the above is a little long winded but all I am trying to work out at the moment is, is the above method the correct way to solve this problem?
 
  • #17
You wrote:
upload_2018-12-28_13-55-13.png

How did both ##3## and ##\frac{1}{4}## both come ##a##?
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-12-28_13-55-13.png
    upload_2018-12-28_13-55-13.png
    2.9 KB · Views: 743
  • #18
I see that mistake, yes.
I have removed that first section from this post as I was getting confused with past attempts.

##u(t)=4t## so ##u(s)=\frac{4}{s^2}##
The transfer function for this ramped output is ##\frac{4}{s^2}##

##G(s)=\frac{u(s)}{\tau s+1}## = ##\frac{\frac{4}{s^2}}{\tau s +1}## = ##\frac{4}{s^2(\tau s +1)}##

=##\frac{4}{\tau s^2(s+\frac{1}{\tau})}## = ##\frac{4}{s^2}## x ##\frac{\frac{1}{\tau}}{(s+\frac{1}{\tau})}##

So I have ##G(s)=\frac{4a}{s^2(s+a)}## where ##a=\frac{1}{\tau}##

The general form ##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}## is not in the list of transforms so we have to use partial fractions to find available transforms

##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}## = ##\frac{(As+B)}{s^2}## + ##\frac{C}{(s+a)}##

A, B and C are constants

Multiply both sides by
##s^2(s+a)##

##a=As^2 +Bs+Aas+Ba+C^2##

## S=0 ##
##a =Ba##
##B=1##

##s^1##
0=##B+Aa##


Substituting for ##B## from above we get:-
##0=1+aA##

and

##A=\frac{-1}{a}##

##s^2##
0=##A+C##
##A+C=0##

Substituting for ##A, C=\frac{1}{a}##

Putting these values back into the standard partial fraction equation, we get:-

##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}## = ##\frac{(-\frac{s}{a^2}+\frac{1}{a})}{s^2}## + ##\frac{\frac{1}{a^2}}{{(s+a)}}##

This equals ##\frac{(-\frac{s}{a}+1)}{s^2}## + ##\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{{(s+a)}}##

This can be simplified by separating off the ##\frac{(-\frac{s}{a}+1)}{s^2}## term into fractions

##-\frac{\frac{s}{a}}{s^2}## + ##\frac{1}{s^2}##=##-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}##+##\frac{1}{s^2}##

Substitute this back in the equation to give the final result

##\frac{a}{s^2(s+a)}## = ##-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}## + ##\frac{1}{s^2}## + ##\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s+a)}##

These 3 terms each have a transform:-

##-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}## transforms to ##-\frac{1}{a}##

##\frac{1}{s^2}## transforms to ##t##

##\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s+a)}## transforms to ##\frac{1}{a}e^-at##

at this point the lesson explains that equation can now be transformed for the ramped input.

my constant multiplier is 4

i.e. ##G(s)=\frac{4a}{s^2(s+a)}##

##a=\frac{1}{\tau}##

##G(s)=4[-\frac{{1}}{\frac{1}{\tau}}+t+\frac{{1}}{\frac{1}{\tau}}e^-\frac{t}{\tau}]##

##=4[-\tau+t+\tau e^-\frac{t}{\tau}]##

This is the equation I posted in post 8 of this thread but I used the following values

##\tau=4##
##t=10##
##K=3##
I think these values were wrong.
I think ##\tau = 3## and ##K = 4##
If that is the correct assumption then:-
##y(10)=4[-3+10+3 e^-\frac{10}{3}]##
##y(10)=4(7+0.10702198)##
##y(10)=28.428 units##

?

 
  • #19
Let's go back to your first post where you wrote: ##y(s)[4s+1]=3u(s)##. I'll use Y for for Y(s) and U for U(s). So,

##Y(4s + 1) = 3U##
##G(s) = \frac{Y}{U} = \frac{3}{4s + 1}##

Using our given ramp input, ##U(s) = \frac{4}{s^2}## we find:

##Y(s) = \frac{12}{(4s + 1) s^2}##

Now apply partial fractions:

##\frac{a}{4s + 1} + \frac{b}{s^2} + \frac{c}{s} = \frac{12}{(4s + 1) s^2}##

multiplying out and equating the numerators:

##as^2 + 4bs + b +4cs^2 +cs = 12##

Collecting:

##(4c+a)s^2 +(c+4b)s + b = 12##

Equating like terms on either side:

1) ##b = 12##
2) ##4c + a = 0##
3) ##c + 4b = 0##

Eq (1) gives the value for ##b## directly. This can be plugged into eq (3) to give us the value of ##c##, and the that in turn can be plugged into eq (2) yielding a value for ##a##. In the end we have:

##a = 192##, ##b = 12##, ##c = -48## so that:

##Y = \frac{192}{4s + 1} + \frac{12}{s^2} - \frac{48}{s}##

Adjusting the first term to in "standard form",

##Y = \frac{48}{s + \frac{1}{4}} + \frac{12}{s^2} - \frac{48}{s}##
 
  • #20
##u(t)=4t##

##u(s)=4\frac{4}{s^2}##

##y(s)=[\frac{3}{4s+1}]u(s)=[\frac{3}{4s+1}][\frac{4}{s^2}]##

##y(s)=\frac{12}{s^2(4s+1)}##


I didn't quite understand how you applied the partial fractions but with the help of a software package I use I managed to get an idea of it. I won't post it on here as the step by step is quite long and drawn out

##Y=\frac{48}{s+\frac{1}{4}}+\frac{12}{s^2}-\frac{48}{s}##

So i have got ##Y=\frac{48}{(s+0.25)}+\frac{12}{s^2}-\frac{48}{s}##

Using inverse laplace transform, first of all, ##\frac{48}{(s+0.25)}##

## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{48}{s+0.25}\right\}##

So ## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ 48(\frac{1}{s+0.25)}\right\}##


So ## 48^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{1}{s+0.25}\right\}##

From the inverse transform tables

## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{1}{s-a}\right\}=e^{at}##

## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{1}{s+0.25}\right\}=e^{-\frac{t}{4}}##

## 48e^{-\frac{t}{4}}##

Using inverse laplace transform, ## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{12}{s^2}\right\}##

## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ 12(\frac{1}{s^2})\right\}##

## 12{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{1}{s^2}\right\}##

From the inverse transform tables

## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{1}{s^2}\right\}=t##= ##12t##

Using inverse laplace transform, ## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{-48}{s}\right\}##

From the inverse transform tables

## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{a}{s} \right\}=a##

so ## ^{L^{-1}}\left\{ \frac{-48}{s} \right\}=-48##

So I think ##Y(t)=-48+12(t)+48e^{-\frac{t}{4}}##


##Y(10)=-48+12(10)+48e^{-\frac{10}{4}}##
##Y(10)=72+48e^{-\frac{10}{4}}##
##Y(10)=72+3.94##
##Y(10)=75.94##units
 
  • Like
Likes Jason-Li
  • #21
Yup. That looks better.
 
  • #22
Thanks for your help with this one, its most appreciated.

I just have a quick question about this, I have spent this afternoon going through the partial fraction part again, trying to get an understanding of it

When I run ##\frac{12}{s^2(4s+1)}## through the partial fraction software it gives me ##\frac{12}{s^2}+\frac{192}{4s+1}-\frac{48}{s}##

##\frac{192}{4s+1}## can be reduced to ##\frac{48}{s+1}##

In your post you adjusted the first term to "in standard form"

##\frac{48}{s+\frac{1}{4}}##

If I give `s` a dummy value, for example, 13, then these 2 equations both give a very similar answer.


##\frac{48}{s+1}##so##\frac{48}{13+1}=3.42857##

##\frac{48}{s+\frac{1}{4}}##so##\frac{48}{13+0.25}=3.6226##


The inverse laplace of ##\frac{48}{s+1}=48e^{-t}##

The inverse laplace of ##\frac{48}{s+\frac{1}{4}}=48e^-{\frac{t}{4}}##

These 2 different equations give different values of the final answer

##\frac{48}{s+1}=48e^{-t}## gives an answer of 72.002 units

##\frac{48}{s+\frac{1}{4}}=48e^-{\frac{t}{4}}## gives an answer of 75.94 units


what is the correct method to follow or are they both considered acceptable?
 
  • #23
David J said:
Thanks for your help with this one, its most appreciated.

I just have a quick question about this, I have spent this afternoon going through the partial fraction part again, trying to get an understanding of it

When I run ##\frac{12}{s^2(4s+1)}## through the partial fraction software it gives me ##\frac{12}{s^2}+\frac{192}{4s+1}-\frac{48}{s}##

##\frac{192}{4s+1}## can be reduced to ##\frac{48}{s+1}##
No. If you divide numerator and denominator by some value you must divide every term in each by that value. The "1" in the denominator cannot remain untouched.
In your post you adjusted the first term to "in standard form"

##\frac{48}{s+\frac{1}{4}}##
Right. Everything was divided by 4, top and bottom.
If I give `s` a dummy value, for example, 13, then these 2 equations both give a very similar answer.
Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades :smile:
what is the correct method to follow or are they both considered acceptable?
You simply have to get the algebra correct. It's the only way.
 
  • #24
Fully understood now, thanks again for your help. I will mark this as solved now
 

1. What is a transfer function in the s domain?

A transfer function in the s domain is a mathematical representation of the relationship between the input and output of a system in the Laplace domain. It describes how the system responds to different inputs and can be used to analyze the stability and performance of the system.

2. How is a transfer function determined?

A transfer function can be determined by taking the Laplace transform of the differential equations that describe the system. This converts the equations from the time domain to the s domain, where the transfer function can be easily derived.

3. What is a ramp input?

A ramp input is a type of input signal that increases linearly over time. In other words, it has a constant slope and a continuously changing amplitude. It is commonly used in control systems to test the steady-state response of a system.

4. How is the response to a ramp input calculated?

The response to a ramp input can be calculated by multiplying the transfer function of the system by the Laplace transform of the ramp input. This will give the output of the system in the s domain. The inverse Laplace transform can then be used to convert the output back to the time domain.

5. Why is the response to a ramp input important?

The response to a ramp input is important because it can provide valuable information about the performance and stability of a system. It can reveal characteristics such as the steady-state error and the sensitivity of the system to changes in the input. This information is crucial in designing and optimizing control systems.

Similar threads

  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
202
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
430
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
888
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
Back
Top