Fourier Transform Tricky Integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analytical calculation of a Fourier transform integral, with participants seeking assistance in resolving complexities related to the integration process. The focus includes techniques such as integration by parts and substitutions, as well as the application of these methods to specific forms of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Mike expresses difficulty in calculating a Fourier transform integral and seeks help, providing his progress on the problem.
  • One participant suggests using substitution and integration by parts twice as a potential method to simplify the integral.
  • Another participant provides a detailed breakdown of the integration by parts process, specifically for the integral of cos(ωx)e^(ax) and outlines the steps involved.
  • Mike questions how to generalize his original signal to the form ∫cos(wx)e^(ax)dx and expresses confusion about the integration process and the reasoning behind certain steps suggested by others.
  • A later reply points out a potential oversight regarding the squaring of t in the original problem and suggests completing the square and making substitutions to facilitate the integration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the best approach to the integral, with multiple methods and interpretations being discussed. Uncertainty remains regarding the application of the suggested techniques and the generalization of the original signal.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note specific assumptions about the variables and forms of the integral, but these assumptions are not universally accepted or clarified, leaving some steps unresolved.

michaelbarret
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Hi I am trying to analytically calculate the Fourier transform attached.

I am getting really stuck with the integral, can anyone help?

I've attached how far I've got with it, any help much appreciated!

Kind Regards,

Mike
 

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michaelbarret said:
Hi I am trying to analytically calculate the Fourier transform attached.

I am getting really stuck with the integral, can anyone help?

I've attached how far I've got with it, any help much appreciated!

Kind Regards,

Mike

Hey michaelbarret and welcome to the forums.

Hint: Use the subsitution and try integration by parts twice and see what you get.
 
The only thing complicated about that integral is your way of doing it. Instead, do it by parts:
[tex]\int cos(\omega x)e^{ax}dx[/tex]
Let [itex]u= cos(\omega x[/itex], [itex]dv= e^{ax}dx[/itex] so that [itex]du= -\omega sin(\omega x)dx[/itex] and [itex]v= (1/a)e^{ax}[/itex] so we have
[tex]\int udv= uv- \int vdu= \frac{1}{a}e^{ax}cos(\omega x)+ \frac{\omega}{a}\int e^{ax}sin(\omega x)dx[/tex]

Now, do it again. Let [itex]u= sin(\omega x)[/itex] and [itex]dv= e^{ax}[/itex] so that [itex]du= \omega cos(\omega x)dx[/itex] and [itex]v= (1/a) e^{ax}[/itex].

Now you have
[tex]\int e^{ax}cos(\omega x) dx= \frac{1}{a}e^{ax}cos(\omega x)+\frac{\omega}{a^2}e^{ax}sin(\omega x)- \frac{\omega^2}{a^2}\int e^{ax}cos(\omega x)dx[/tex]

Add [itex]\int e^{ax}cos(\omega x) dx[/itex] to both sides and divide by 2.
 
Thanks HallsofIvy for your reply.

I think the biggest thing I'm unsure on is how my original signal can be generalised to ∫cos(wx) e^ax dx. In my case does w=w, x=t(1-qt) and dx=dt?

Also sorry If it's obvious but I don't really understand why I should add ∫e^ax cos(ωx)dx to both sides and divide by 2.

I can't figure out how to integrate the complex exponential associated with the FT either, ∫e^-jwt dt
 
Yeah last helper might not have noticed the squaring of t in the original problem, it also looks like you didn't write it after the first line. But it looks like you were close to done, I like what you have worked out on the PDF. I think the next goal might be to complete the square and use some substitutions and move things around so you almost have that thing that's equal to root pi over a.
 
Last edited:

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