Fourier Series: Small Waves & Equal Amplitude

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenge of creating a Fourier series function that features small waves on top of larger waves, all with equal amplitude. Participants highlight the limitations imposed by the Gibbs Phenomenon, which prevents amplitude reduction at discontinuities. A suggested function is cos(x) + cos(100x), demonstrating the concept of varying wavelengths. Additionally, the reworked function 3000 cos(2πx/6) + 100 cos(10(2π/6)) is presented as a potential solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier series and their mathematical representation
  • Familiarity with the Gibbs Phenomenon and its implications
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine and sine
  • Experience with graphing functions using tools like Wolfram Alpha
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Gibbs Phenomenon and its effects on Fourier series approximations
  • Explore the concept of wave superposition in trigonometric functions
  • Learn how to manipulate Fourier series to achieve desired wave characteristics
  • Investigate advanced Fourier analysis techniques for generating complex waveforms
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Mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and students interested in wave theory and Fourier analysis.

Emilijo
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In Fourier series we have small waves on the top of big waves (the function seems like that),
but the small waves do not have the same amplitude. Does somebody know how to get a function with waves and small waves on the top but with the same amplitude.
 
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What is the definition of a small wave if it doesn't have anything to do with amplitude?
 
fourier-2.jpg


Can you see now, small waves on the top of big wave are not the same (equal amplitude)
{click on the picture to see it better}
 

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If you're talking about the changing amplitude of the Fourier Series approximation then the answer is that you really can't. Due to the Gibbs Phenomenon, you'll have an overshoot at any discontinuity, of which the amplitude doesn't diminish.
 
Do you know how to get a function (any kind of function) with "small" waves on the top of "big" waves, but for the same amplitude of all small waves?
 
The Fourier series is of the form
\sum A_n cos(nx)+ B_n sin(nx)

It looks to me like your series happens to have only two non-zero terms, one with a period of about 6 and amplitude 3000, the other with period about .6 and amplitude about 100. In other words, something like
3000 cos(2\pi x/60)+ 100 cos(10(2\pi/60))
 
HallsofIvy said:
The Fourier series is of the form
\sum A_n cos(nx)+ B_n sin(nx)

It looks to me like your series happens to have only two non-zero terms, one with a period of about 6 and amplitude 3000, the other with period about .6 and amplitude about 100. In other words, something like
3000 cos(2\pi x/60)+ 100 cos(10(2\pi/60))

-Your function is not like on the atachment,
do you have better idea?
 
  • #11
I found a function: sin(1-cos(x))
But there are only 2 "small" waves on every wave (put the function in wolfram)
How to get 3, 4, 5, ... or n "small" waves?
 

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