Differential Equation Involving Heaviside function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the differential equation y'' + y = H(3π)(t) with initial conditions y(0) = 1 and y'(0) = 0, where H(3π)(t) represents the Heaviside function. The Laplace transform is applied, resulting in L(y) = (L(H(3π)(t)) + s) / (s² + 1). The Laplace transform of H(3π)(t) is e^(-3πs)/s, leading to the solution involving inverse Laplace transforms. The final expression includes terms H(3π)(t)(1 - cos(t - 3π)) + cos(t), with a query regarding a coefficient discrepancy noted in Wolfram's output.

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  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with the Heaviside step function and its properties.
  • Knowledge of Laplace transforms and their applications in solving differential equations.
  • Ability to perform partial fraction decomposition in algebraic expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of the Heaviside function in differential equations.
  • Learn about the techniques for performing inverse Laplace transforms, especially with shifted functions.
  • Explore partial fraction decomposition methods in detail for complex algebraic expressions.
  • Investigate discrepancies in solutions using computational tools like Wolfram Alpha for verification.
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Students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, and physics who are solving differential equations involving piecewise functions and seeking to understand Laplace transforms in depth.

1MileCrash
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Homework Statement


y''+y= H(3pi)(t)

y(0)=1

y'(0)=0

H(3pi)(t) means the heaviside function such that it is 1 above 3pi and 0 otherwise.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Taking the laplace of both sides, I have that:

L(y) = (L(H(3pi)(t))+s) / (s^2 + 1)

The laplace transform of H(3pi)(t) is e^(-3pi(s))/s, so plugging that in and doing algebra I get:

e^(-3pis)(1/(s(s^2+1)) + s/(s^2+1)

For the first, I split into partial fractions. The second is ready to be inverted already.

e^(-3pis)((1/s) - s/(s^2+1)) + s/(s^2 + 1)

I find the inverse laplace of this to be:


H(3pi)(t)(1-cos(t-3pi)) + cos(t)

or

H(3pi)(t)(1+cos(t)) + cos(t)

Wolfram has a coefficient of 2 on the conditional cosine. How do I get that?


Thanks again!
 
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1MileCrash said:

Homework Statement


y''+y= H(3pi)(t)

y(0)=1

y'(0)=0

H(3pi)(t) means the heaviside function such that it is 1 above 3pi and 0 otherwise.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Taking the laplace of both sides, I have that:

L(y) = (L(H(3pi)(t))+s) / (s^2 + 1)

The laplace transform of H(3pi)(t) is e^(-3pi(s))/s, so plugging that in and doing algebra I get:

e^(-3pis)(1/(s(s^2+1)) + s/(s^2+1)

For the first, I split into partial fractions. The second is ready to be inverted already.

e^(-3pis)((1/s) - s/(s^2+1)) + s/(s^2 + 1)

I find the inverse laplace of this to be:


H(3pi)(t)(1-cos(t-3pi)) + cos(t)

or

H(3pi)(t)(1+cos(t)) + cos(t)

Wolfram has a coefficient of 2 on the conditional cosine. How do I get that?


Thanks again!

Your work looks OK to me. Without seeing what you entered into Wolfram it's hard to say where they got that 2 you mention.

Your notation for the Heaviside function is a bit cumbersome. Instead of H(3pi)(t), which suggests the product of H(3pi) and t, I would write it as H(t - 3##\pi##).
 

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