How Do You Solve a First Order Laplace Transform with a Ramp Input?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order differential equation using Laplace transforms, specifically addressing the transfer function and the response to a ramp input. Participants explore the mathematical steps involved in deriving the transfer function and calculating the output for a ramp input.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the differential equation and attempts to derive the transfer function, leading to the expression G(s) = ¾/(s + ¼).
  • Another participant questions the algebraic manipulation of the transfer function, suggesting that the expression for Y(s) may be incorrect.
  • There is a correction regarding the Laplace transform of the input, with some participants asserting that it should be 3t instead of ¾.
  • Partial fraction decomposition is discussed as a method to simplify Y(s) for inverse transformation.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their calculations and the final output value for y(t) when t = 10 s.
  • One participant calculates y(t) and presents it as approximately 27.35, while another later suggests it should be around 75.94, indicating a significant discrepancy.
  • There are multiple corrections and clarifications regarding the interpretation of terms and the algebraic steps involved in the solution process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the final output value for y(t) or the correctness of the algebraic manipulations. Disagreements persist regarding the interpretation of the transfer function and the calculations leading to y(t).

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential errors in algebraic steps and the interpretation of the Laplace transform, indicating that some assumptions may not be fully resolved. The discussion reflects ongoing refinement of mathematical expressions without reaching definitive conclusions.

topcat123
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Homework Statement


A process can be represented by the first order equation

(4δy(t)/δt) + y(t) = 3u(t)

Assume the initial state is steady (y = 0 at t = –0).

(a) Determine the transfer function of this process in the s domain.
(b) If the input is a ramp change in u(t) = 4t, determine the value of y(t)
when t = 10 s.

Homework Equations


Ramp change 1/s2

The Attempt at a Solution


(a)
Transfer function

{sY(s) + y(-0)} + Y(s)/4 = 3U(s)/4

sY(s) + Y(s)/4 = 3U(s)/4

G(s) = Y(s)/U(s) = ¾/(s + ¼) = 4/4(s + ¼)

(b)
This is where i am stuck i realize this is where the ramp change 1/s2 comes in.

Y(s) =¾/(s + ¼) × 1/s2 = ¾/s(s + ¼)
I think this is correct but I don't know where to go from here.

any help would be appreciated.
 
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topcat123 said:

Homework Statement


A process can be represented by the first order equation

(4δy(t)/δt) + y(t) = 3u(t)

Assume the initial state is steady (y = 0 at t = –0).

(a) Determine the transfer function of this process in the s domain.
(b) If the input is a ramp change in u(t) = 4t, determine the value of y(t)
when t = 10 s.

Homework Equations


Ramp change 1/s2

The Attempt at a Solution


(a)
Transfer function

{sY(s) + y(-0)} + Y(s)/4 = 3U(s)/4

sY(s) + Y(s)/4 = 3U(s)/4

G(s) = Y(s)/U(s) = ¾/(s + ¼) = 4/4(s + ¼)

(b)
This is where i am stuck i realize this is where the ramp change 1/s2 comes in.

Y(s) =¾/(s + ¼) × 1/s2 = ¾/s(s + ¼)
Check your algebra. ##\frac{3/4}{s + 1/4} \times \frac 1 {s^2} \ne \frac{3/4}{s(s + 1/4)}##

I haven't verified the rest of your work...
topcat123 said:
I think this is correct but I don't know where to go from here.

any help would be appreciated.
 
Mark44 said:
Check your algebra. 3/4s+1/4×1s2≠3/4s(s+1/4)

sorry copied it in wrong
Y(s) =¾/(s + ¼) × 1/s2 = 3/s(s + ¼)
 
topcat123 said:
sorry copied it in wrong
Y(s) =¾/(s + ¼) × 1/s2 = 3/s(s + ¼)
That is still incorrect.

Also, when you write 3/s(s + 1/4), the usual interpretation is ##\frac 3 s (s + 1/4)##, which is not what you meant.
 
Y(s) =\frac{\frac{3}{4}}{(s+\frac{1}{4})}\frac{1}{s^2} = \frac{\frac{3}{4}}{s^2(s+\frac{1}{4})}

Is this better?
 
topcat123 said:
Y(s) =\frac{\frac{3}{4}}{(s+\frac{1}{4})}\frac{1}{s^2} = \frac{\frac{3}{4}}{s^2(s+\frac{1}{4})}

Is this better?
Yes. To find y(t), split up the fraction using partial fraction decomposition, and then take the inverse Laplace transform of each of the resulting terms.
 
OK so partial fraction. \frac{a}{s^2 (s + a)} = \frac{(As + B)}{s^2} + \frac{C}{(s + a)}
Multiply through by s^2 (s + a)
Giving a = (As + B) (s + a) + Cs^2
Removing the bracketsAs^2 + Bs + Aas + Ba + C^2
s^0... a = Ba... B = 1 s^1...0 = B + Aa substituting in for B A = \frac{-1}{a} s^2... 0 = A + C substituting in for AC = \frac{1}{a}
gives = \frac{(-\frac{s}{a} + 1)}{s^2} + \frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s + a)}
simplifying = \frac{(-\frac{s}{a} + 1)}{s^2} to -\frac{\frac{s}{a}}{s^2} + \frac{1}{s^2} = \frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s} + \frac{1}{s^2}
Final result\frac{a}{s^2(s + a)} = -\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s} + \frac{1}{s^2} + \frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s + a)}
-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}\text { inverse to } -\frac{1}{a}
\frac{1}{s^2}\text{ inverse to } t
\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s + a)}\text{ inverse to }\frac{1}{a}e^{-at}
\left[-\frac{1}{a} + t + \frac{1}{a}e^{-at}\right] as a = ¼ ad t = 10
3\left[-\frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}} + 10 + \frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}}e^{\frac{1}{4}}\right]
So y(t) = 3\left[-4 + 10 +4e^{-\frac{1}{4}}\right] = 27.35

Is that any where near?
 
topcat123 said:
OK so partial fraction. \frac{a}{s^2 (s + a)} = \frac{(As + B)}{s^2} + \frac{C}{(s + a)}
Multiply through by s^2 (s + a)
Giving a = (As + B) (s + a) + Cs^2
Removing the bracketsAs^2 + Bs + Aas + Ba + C^2
s^0... a = Ba... B = 1 s^1...0 = B + Aa substituting in for B A = \frac{-1}{a} s^2... 0 = A + C substituting in for AC = \frac{1}{a}
gives = \frac{(-\frac{s}{a} + 1)}{s^2} + \frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s + a)}
simplifying = \frac{(-\frac{s}{a} + 1)}{s^2} to -\frac{\frac{s}{a}}{s^2} + \frac{1}{s^2} = \frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s} + \frac{1}{s^2}
Final result\frac{a}{s^2(s + a)} = -\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s} + \frac{1}{s^2} + \frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s + a)}
-\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{s}\text { inverse to } -\frac{1}{a}
\frac{1}{s^2}\text{ inverse to } t
\frac{\frac{1}{a}}{(s + a)}\text{ inverse to }\frac{1}{a}e^{-at}
\left[-\frac{1}{a} + t + \frac{1}{a}e^{-at}\right] as a = ¼ ad t = 10
3\left[-\frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}} + 10 + \frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}}e^{\frac{1}{4}}\right]
So y(t) = 3\left[-4 + 10 +4e^{-\frac{1}{4}}\right] = 27.35

Is that any where near?
By my calculation, you're low by about a factor of 3.

What you show as y(t) above is actually y(10). What do you have for y(t)? You need to check that it is a solution of the diff. equation y' + (1/4)y = 3t, and that y(0) = 0. The solution I found satisifies this diff. equation and initial condition, and I get y(10) ≈ 75.94.
 
topcat123 said:
Transfer function
{sY(s) + y(-0)} + Y(s)/4 = 3U(s)/4
sY(s) + Y(s)/4 = 3U(s)/4
G(s) = Y(s)/U(s) = ¾/(s + ¼) = 4/4(s + ¼)
I think you have a mistake in the last line above.
3u(t) = 12t, so after dividing by 4 you should get 3t. The Laplace transform of this is ##\frac 3 {s^2}##, not ##\frac {3/4}{s^2}##
 
  • #10
Yes I see the mistake there is also another.
Y(s) = \frac{\frac{12}{4}}{s^2(s + \frac{1}{4})}
also the second error.
\frac{1}{a}e^{at} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}}e^{-\frac{10}{4}}
giving y(10) =12 \left[ -4 + 10 + 4e^{-\frac{10}{4}}\right ] = 75.94

Is this better?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
topcat123 said:
Yes I see the mistake there is also another.
Y(s) = \frac{\frac{12}{4}}{s^2(s + \frac{1}{4})}
also the second error.
\frac{1}{a}e^{at} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}}e^{-\frac{10}{4}}
giving y(10) =12 \left[ -4 + 10 + 4e^{-\frac{10}{4}}\right ] = 75.94

Is this better?
Your answer agrees with mine.
One thing though that you're a little sloppy on: You wrote ##\frac{1}{a}e^{at} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}}e^{-\frac{10}{4}}##. The left side is a function of t, but the right side is a number. You should have ##y(t) = \frac{1}{a}e^{-at} = 4e^{-\frac{t}{4}}##. From this you get y(10) = 75.94 (approx.).

I also don't see much advantage of bringing a into things as you did in your work.
 

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