Differential Equation with Summation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation involving a second-order linear operator and a summation of unit step functions. The equation is presented with quiescent initial conditions, and participants are exploring the implications of the notation used, particularly regarding the unit step function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the validity of the initial steps taken in applying the Laplace transform to the equation. Questions arise regarding the definition of the unit step function used in the summation, with some participants seeking clarification on its implications for the solution.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the notation and its impact on the problem. Some participants have proposed alternative interpretations of the unit step function, and there is acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the notation. Guidance has been offered indirectly, leading to further insights into the solution process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the ambiguity in the notation of the unit step function, which has led to confusion in interpreting the problem. The discussion also touches on the requirement to graph the forcing function and solution, indicating a practical application of the theoretical work.

jrcdude
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Homework Statement



y''+0.1y'+y=1+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}u_{k\pi}(t)
and quiescent initial conditions.

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution


(s^{2}+0.1s+1)Y(s)=\mathcal{L}\{1\}+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}\mathcal{L}\big\{ u_{k\pi}(t)\big\}

I'm not sure if this step was correct, and how to proceed since the result of that is quite nasty.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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jrcdude said:

Homework Statement



y''+0.1y'+y=1+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}u_{k\pi}(t)
and quiescent initial conditions.

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution


(s^{2}+0.1s+1)Y(s)=\mathcal{L}\{1\}+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}\mathcal{L}\big\{ u_{k\pi}(t)\big\}

I'm not sure if this step was correct, and how to proceed since the result of that is quite nasty.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

We aren't mind readers here. What is ## u_{k\pi}(t)##? And what do you get for the transform of the right side?
 
I'm sorry, I thought it was common notation that u_{k\pi}(t) is the indicator function denoting the unit step function:
u_{k\pi}(t)=u_{k}(t)-u_{\pi}(t)=\begin{cases}<br /> 0, &amp; t&lt;k\quad\text{or}\quad t\ge\pi\\<br /> 1, &amp; k\le t&lt;\pi<br /> \end{cases}<br />
As for what I got for the Laplace transform of the right, it is:
<br /> \frac{1}{s}+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}\cdot\frac{e^{-ks}-e^{-\pi s}}{s}<br />
 
jrcdude said:
I'm sorry, I thought it was common notation that u_{k\pi}(t) is the indicator function denoting the unit step function:
u_{k\pi}(t)=u_{k}(t)-u_{\pi}(t)=\begin{cases}<br /> 0, &amp; t&lt;k\quad\text{or}\quad t\ge\pi\\<br /> 1, &amp; k\le t&lt;\pi<br /> \end{cases}<br />
As for what I got for the Laplace transform of the right, it is:
<br /> \frac{1}{s}+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}\cdot\frac{e^{-ks}-e^{-\pi s}}{s}<br />

For example, if ##k=5## your definition says ##u_{5\pi} = 0\hbox{ if } t<5\hbox{ or }t>\pi##, which is identically zero. Same for any ##k\ge 4##. Something looks fishy to me.
 
Courtesy of Brannan,
oiKJC.png


The only other possibility is that c=k\pi.


Edit: Yes I think that's actually the problem faced here.. I believe it works if I let
u_{k\pi}(t)=u(t-k\pi)
 
Last edited:
jrcdude said:
Courtesy of Brannan,
oiKJC.png


The only other possibility is that c=k\pi.Edit: Yes I think that's actually the problem faced here.. I believe it works if I let
u_{k\pi}(t)=u(t-k\pi)

It shows what a horrible notation that subscripted u is. If you just write u(t-c) when you want it, there is no ambiguity. So apparently you are saying your equation is$$
y''+0.1y'+y=1+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}u(t-k\pi)$$Is that correct? And when you say "it works", do you mean you see how to finish the question?
 
Yes, that subscript notation is definitely horrible as it caused me a lot of grief haha.

And yes, by "it works" I meant I solved the DE resulting in the solution of,

<br /> y(t)=h(t)+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}h(t-k\pi)<br />

where
<br /> h(t)=1-e^{-0.05t}\cos(\sqrt{0.9975}t)-\frac{0.05e^{-0.05t}}{\sqrt{0.9975}}\sin(\sqrt{0.9975}t)<br />

Thanks for the 'indirect' help!
 
Last edited:
jrcdude said:
Yes, that subscript notation is definitely horrible as it caused me a lot of grief haha.

And yes, by "it works" I meant I solved the DE resulting in the solution of,

<br /> y(t)=h(t)+2\sum_{k=1}^{n}(-1)^{k}h(t-k\pi)<br />

where
<br /> 1-e^{-0.05t}\cos(\sqrt{0.9975}t)-\frac{0.05e^{-0.05t}}{\sqrt{0.9975}}\sin(\sqrt{0.9975}t)<br />

Thanks for the 'indirect' help!

Is that your solution for a particular value of ##n##? Otherwise wouldn't your solution depend on ##n##? Out of curiosity have you graphed your forcing function and solution? What you have is a system being driven for a few cycles by a square wave whose frequency is very near the natural frequency of the system.

[Edit]Never mind about the n. I see where it is now.
 
The next part of the question was actually to graph the forcing function and solution on the same set of coordinates. So you are interpreting it correctly.
 
  • #10
jrcdude said:
The next part of the question was actually to graph the forcing function and solution on the same set of coordinates. So you are interpreting it correctly.

OK. Have fun with it. I let Maple do the grunt work to look at the graphs. It's a nice example.
 
  • #11
Yeah, we too let Maple do the grunt work. Funny thing is Maple was developed at my university so they push us to use it.
 

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