Fourier Series: Small Waves & Equal Amplitude

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction of functions using Fourier series that exhibit small waves on top of larger waves, specifically focusing on achieving equal amplitude for the small waves. Participants explore definitions, examples, and potential functions that fit this description.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to create a function with small waves on top of larger waves that have the same amplitude.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on what constitutes a "small wave" if it is not related to amplitude.
  • A participant mentions the Gibbs Phenomenon, indicating that the amplitude of overshoots at discontinuities does not diminish in Fourier series approximations.
  • There is a suggestion to use a function like cos(x) + cos(100x) to illustrate small and large waves, although the motivation for this choice is questioned.
  • Multiple participants provide examples of Fourier series with specific amplitudes and periods, attempting to match the desired wave structure.
  • One participant proposes a function, sin(1-cos(x)), but notes that it only produces two small waves per larger wave and seeks methods to increase this number.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and characteristics of small waves, as well as the feasibility of achieving equal amplitude in the context of Fourier series. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to construct such functions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions of "small" and "big" waves, and the discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps necessary to achieve the desired wave characteristics.

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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