Fourier coefficient calculations

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating Fourier coefficients \( F_n \) for the one-dimensional wave equation using the relation \( f(x) = \sum_{n=1}^\infty F_n \sin \left( \frac{n\pi x}{L} \right) \). The user correctly identifies the formula for \( F_n \) as \( F_n = \frac{1}{|| \sin \left( \frac{n\pi x}{L} \right) ||^2} \int_0^L f(x) \sin \left( \frac{n\pi x}{L} \right) dx \) but struggles with calculating the modulus squared of the sine function. The resolution is provided in the book, stating that \( F_n = \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L f(x) \sin \left( \frac{n\pi x}{L} \right) dx \), which clarifies the calculation process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier series and coefficients
  • Familiarity with the one-dimensional wave equation
  • Knowledge of integral calculus
  • Concept of modulus squared of functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Fourier coefficients in detail
  • Learn about the properties of sine functions in Fourier series
  • Explore the concept of orthogonality in function spaces
  • Investigate applications of Fourier series in solving partial differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with Fourier series and partial differential equations, particularly those focusing on wave equations.

fluidistic
Gold Member
Messages
3,934
Reaction score
286

Homework Statement


I've been following closely a book on PDE's working through lots of steps but here I'm stuck.
Basically I have the relation [itex]f(x)= \sum _{n=1}^\infty F_n \sin \left ( \frac{n\pi x }{L} \right )[/itex]. I want to calculate the Fourier coefficients [itex]F_n[/itex].
I look at the definition in the same book and I see that if [itex]f(x)= \sum _{n=1}^\infty c_n g_n(x)[/itex] then [itex]c_n=\frac{1}{||g_n||^2} \int _a ^b f(x)g_n (x)dx[/itex].
Since I'm solving the 1 dimensional wave equation between [itex]x=0[/itex] and [itex]x=L[/itex], the limits of the integral are in my case [itex]0[/itex] and [itex]L[/itex].
I get that [itex]F_n =\frac{1}{|| \sin \left ( \frac{n\pi x }{L} \right )||^2} \int _0^L f(x) \sin \left ( \frac{n\pi x }{L} \right ) dx[/itex]. I don't really know how to calculate the modulus squared of the denominator. When I look in the book it says that [itex]F_n=\frac{2}{L} \int _0^L f(x) \sin \left ( \frac{n\pi x }{L} \right ) dx[/itex]. I've absolutely no idea how he did this calculation.


Homework Equations


I don't know if there are any other than the one I posted.


The Attempt at a Solution

Only thoughts so far...
Any clarification is welcome.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the definition of the modulus squared of a function?
 
jbunniii said:
What is the definition of the modulus squared of a function?

Ok thank you, I just found out the result... I didn't know to tell the truth, now I know. Problem solved.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K