Orthogonality, Fourier series and Kronecker delta

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the orthogonality relation for cosine basis functions in Fourier series, specifically examining an integral involving cosine functions and the Kronecker delta. Participants are exploring the properties of Fourier series and their applications in solving problems related to square waves and heat equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using trigonometric identities to simplify integrals, with some suggesting the product-to-sum formulas. Others express uncertainty about the integration process and seek clarification on how to derive Fourier series coefficients for specific functions.

Discussion Status

There are multiple lines of inquiry, with participants offering suggestions and expressing their current understanding. Some have made progress in their attempts, while others are still grappling with the next steps in their solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they have not yet covered certain integral techniques in their coursework, which may affect their ability to tackle the problems presented. Additionally, there are references to specific functions and conditions that are part of the homework requirements.

TobyDarkeness
Messages
38
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Show that the orthogonality relation for the "cosine basis functions" used in the Fourier series is

1/L\intcos[(n*pi*x)/L)]cos[(m*pi*x)/L)]dx = {Sin([n-m]*pi)}/[(n-m)*pi] + {Sin([n+m]*pi)}/[(n+m)*pi]

By considering the different integer n and m, show that the right hand side is equal to \delta(nm)

Homework Equations



the limits of integration are -L to L

The Attempt at a Solution


we haven't been taught how to handle this type of integral i know what the solution looks like but i don't know the process to get there. Our task is to find out. Could anyone help me? thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ah i see so i should use, 1/2{cos[(n*pi*x)-(m*pi*x)]+cos[(m*pi*x)+(n*pi*x)]} substitute that into my integral and proceed with the integration and Fourier series?
 
TobyDarkeness said:
ah i see so i should use, 1/2{cos[(n*pi*x)-(m*pi*x)]+cos[(m*pi*x)+(n*pi*x)]} substitute that into my integral and proceed with the integration and Fourier series?

Sure. I hope you haven't been waiting for my reply to proceed.
 
Oh no, I was just checking I was heading in the correct direction thanks for the help haven't quite finished but it's coming together. A further question,

Show that the Fourier series for the square wave defined as
f(x)=-1 for -L<=x<=0
f(x)= 1 for 0<=x<=L
is given by the following equation:
f(x)=\sum m=1 to infinity of [2/(m*pi)]*[1-(-1)^m)sin[(m*pi*x)/L]

i know this is something to do with the gibs function and (-1)^m is a cos function but i have no idea how to get here. Thanks again.
 
TobyDarkeness said:
Oh no, I was just checking I was heading in the correct direction thanks for the help haven't quite finished but it's coming together. A further question,

Show that the Fourier series for the square wave defined as
f(x)=-1 for -L<=x<=0
f(x)= 1 for 0<=x<=L
is given by the following equation:
f(x)=\sum m=1 to infinity of [2/(m*pi)]*[1-(-1)^m)sin[(m*pi*x)/L]

i know this is something to do with the gibs function and (-1)^m is a cos function but i have no idea how to get here. Thanks again.

You integrate f(x) times the sin function from -L to L to get the coefficient. Just break it into the two integrals from -L to 0 (where f(x)=(-1)) and 0 to L (where f(x)=1).
 
thanks again for the help, they worked out pretty well. just another quick question if you can help.

[6] A semi-infinite bar 0 < x < ∞ is subject to periodic heating at x = 0 ; the
temperature at x = 0 is T0 cosωt and is zero at x = ∞. By solving the heat equation

∂T/∂t= 1/2(∂2T/∂x2) ,
show that

T (x,t) = T_0 exp(α x)cos(ωt − x sqrtω ),
where α is a constant to be determined.

Ok I know I need to separate variables and Iv'e been advised to solve for the time dependence first. This is what Iv'e done so far but I'm a little stuck for the next steps.

∂T/∂t= 1/2*(∂^2T/∂x^2)

T(x,t)=X(x)T(t)

∂/∂t*[X(x)T(t)]=1/2*[(∂^2)/(∂x^2)]*(X(x)T(t))

X(x)*[∂T(t)/∂t]=1/2*T(t)*[∂^2X(x)]/[∂x^2]

dividing through by 1/[X(x)T(t)]


1/[T(t)]*[∂T(t)/∂t]=1/2*[1/X(x)]*(∂^2 X(x))/∂x^2


2/T(t)*∂T(t)/∂t=1/X(x)*[(∂^2X(x))/(∂x^2)]


T(x,t) =T_0exp(αx)cos(ωt − x sqrtω)

T(0,t)=T_0cos(ωt)

T(infinity,0)=0

this is what i have not sure where to go next...

thanks again.
 
ok i think i have to make the constants complex but I'm not sure what I should sub in.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K