Fourier series for trigonometric absolute value function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the Fourier series for a trigonometric absolute value function, specifically focusing on the function defined as V(t) = 100 sin(120πt). Participants are exploring the properties of Fourier coefficients, particularly the even nature of the absolute value function and its implications for the series representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of Fourier coefficients, questioning the validity of their integrals and the use of Euler's formula. There is a focus on the implications of the function being even and the resulting coefficients, particularly whether certain terms should be zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding sketching cases to visualize when coefficients might be zero. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods, including Euler's formula and trigonometric identities, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating constraints related to homework rules, such as not being allowed to reference certain formulas directly. There is also mention of specific intervals for integration that may affect the results.

agnimusayoti
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Homework Statement
Assume the period is 1/60 s. Given V(0) = `V(1/120) = V(1/60) = 0, and V(1/240) = V(1/80) = 100. Then output of a simple DC Generator will have the shape of absolute value of a sine function's curve. Expand this function in an appropriate Fourier series.
Relevant Equations
Fourier series:
For a function with period ##2l##, can expanded in Fourier series:
$$f(x) = \frac{1}{2} a_0 + a_n \cos{\frac{n\pi x}{l}} + b_n \sin{\frac{n\pi x}{l}} $$
where a_n and b_n is Fourier's coefficient.
For even function (since absolute value is an even function), then $$b_n = 0$$ and $$a_n = \frac{2}{l} \int_0^{l} f(x) \cos{\frac{n\pi x}{l}} dx$$
Capture.JPG

First, I try to define the function in the figure above: ##V(t)=100\left[sin(120\{pi}\right]##.
Then, I use the fact that absolute value function is an even function, so only Fourier series only contain cosine terms. In other words, ##b_n = 0##
Next, I want to determine Fourier coefficient ##a_n##:
$$a_n=\frac{2}{l} \int_{0}^{l} V(t) \cos{120n\pi t} dt$$.
I think, now V(t) only positive, so ##V(t)=100 sin(120\pi t)##
then,
$$a_n=\frac{2}{l} \int_{0}^{l} \left(100 sin(120\pi t)\right) \cos{120n\pi t} dt$$.
At this stage, is my work true?
Can I evaluate the integral with Euler form? Thanks
 
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agnimusayoti said:
At this stage, is my work true?
Up to 1/120 s yes. After that you need a minus sign !

(However, if you look at the integrand, perhaps integrating up to 1/120 isn't all that bad ... :wink: )
 
but I am my work next, I found the coefficient is zero (using Euler) without minus sign. The argument for sin differs from cos (in my integrand) right? So I can't modify to sin 2A?
 
agnimusayoti said:
but I am my work next, I found the coefficient is zero (using Euler) without minus sign. The argument for sin differs from cos (in my integrand) right? So I can't modify to sin 2A?
I don't see your work if you don't post it, so I can't comment.
Advice: make a sketch for a few cases (n = 0, 1, 2, 3 ...) and see when coefficients are zero and when they are not

(PS: post #1 has
1594128884374.png
)
 
Here I try to write it down.
$$a_n=2(120)\int_{0}^{1/120} 100 \sin {120 \pi t} \cos {120n \pi t} dt$$
In Euler formula:
$$\sin {120 \pi t} = \frac {e^{120i\pi t} - e^{- i 120 \pi t}}{2i}$$
$$ \cos {120n \pi t} =\frac{e^{120 n i\pi t} + e^{- i 120 n \pi t}}{2}$$
Substituting these formula to integran gives:
$$a_n=2(120)\int_{0}^{1/120} 100 \frac{1}{4i} \left ( e^{120i\pi t} - e^{- 120 i \pi t} \right)\left ( e^{120ni\pi t} - e^{- 120 n i \pi t} \right)dt$$
$$a_n=\frac{2(120)(100)}{4i}\int_{0}^{1/120} \left[e^{i 120 \pi t \left(1+n \right)} - e^{i 120 \pi t \left(1-n \right)} - e^{i 120 \pi t \left(-1+n \right)}+e^{i 120 \pi t \left(-1-n \right)}\right]dt$$.
At this stage, is that true? If I am not mistaken, I continued the integration:
$$a_n={96 000i} \left[\frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(1+n \right)}}{(120\pi i)(1+n)} - \frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(1-n \right)}}{(120\pi i)(1-n)} - \frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(-1+n \right)}}{(120\pi i)(-1+n)}+\frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(-1-n \right)}}{(120\pi i)(-1-n)}\right]^{1/120}_{0} dt$$
$$a_n=\frac{96 000i} {120 \pi i}\left[\frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(1+n \right)}}{(1+n)} - \frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(1-n \right)}}{(1-n)} + \frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(-1+n \right)}}{(1-n)}-\frac {e^{i 120 \pi t \left(-1-n \right)}}{(1+n)}\right]^{1/120}_{0} dt$$
After that, I found that cosine terms in euler Formula cancel each other, but sine is not. Unfortunately, the argument for sine is n pi then sine become zero.
 
Hmm, But if I use trigonometric formula for sin A cos B = 1/2 [sin (A+B) sin (A-B)] I got different result. therefore somehow my integration bugging
 
BvU said:
Advice: make a sketch for a few cases (n = 0, 1, 2, 3 ...) and see when coefficients are zero and when they are not

agnimusayoti said:
After that, I found that cosine terms in euler Formula cancel each other, but sine is not
And how is that for the integral from 1/120 to 1/60 ?
 
It should be the same as half period because V(t) is even function right. But, the problem is executing Euler formula. I wonder what should I do in case I forget the trigonometric formula and not allowed to see it in textbook, since there are so many trigonometric formula. Huft
 
agnimusayoti said:
It should be the same as half period because V(t) is even function right
You want to check that anyway. Remember that ##V(t) =\ {\bf -} \ \sin(...)## there !

BvU said:
Advice: make a sketch for a few cases (n = 0, 1, 2, 3 ...) and see when coefficients are zero and when they are not
And if you post them, I might point out some isssues you misss.
Don't be fixed on Euler if that doesn't work for you.. It's sines and cosines.
 

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