Please help me find Fourier series mistake

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Fourier sine series expansion of the Dirac delta function $\delta(x-a)$ over the half-interval (0, L), specifically addressing the confusion regarding the interval length used in the coefficient formula. The user correctly identifies that the coefficient $b_n$ should be calculated using the formula $b_n = \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L \delta(x-a) \sin\left(\frac{n \pi x}{L}\right) dx$. The discrepancy arises from the use of $\frac{L}{2}$ in the sine term's divisor, which is clarified by the properties of even functions in integration. This indicates that the interval length does not affect the sine term's argument in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier series, specifically sine series expansions.
  • Familiarity with the Dirac delta function and its properties.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly in the context of Fourier analysis.
  • Basic grasp of even and odd functions in mathematical analysis.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Dirac delta function in Fourier analysis.
  • Learn about the derivation and application of Fourier sine series.
  • Explore the implications of even and odd functions in integration.
  • Review examples of Fourier series expansions in various intervals.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone studying Fourier analysis or working with signal processing who seeks to understand the nuances of Fourier series expansions involving the Dirac delta function.

ognik
Messages
626
Reaction score
2
Find the Fourier sin series expansion of dirac delta function $\delta(x-a)$ in the half-interval (0,L), (0 < a < L):

Now $b_n = \frac{1}{L} \int_0^L f(x)sin \frac{n \pi x}{L}dx $ - but L should be $\frac{L}{2}$ for this exercise...

So I would get $ \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L f(x)sin \frac{n \pi x}{\frac{L}{2}}dx $ - but the book shows $ \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L \delta(x-a)sin \frac{n \pi x}{L}dx $

I believed that the interval was $ \frac{2}{L}$ - what am I missing please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ognik said:
Find the Fourier sin series expansion of dirac delta function $\delta(x-a)$ in the half-interval (0,L), (0 < a < L):

Now $b_n = \frac{1}{L} \int_0^L f(x)sin \frac{n \pi x}{L}dx $

The formula for the coefficients $b_n$ is $$b_n=\frac{2}{L}\int_{0}^Lf(x)\sin \left (\frac{n\pi x}{L}\right )dx$$
 
My question is - why does the formula use $\frac{L}{2}$ as the interval before the integration $(\frac{2}{L} \int ...)$ but not also use $\frac{L}{2}$ in divisor of the sin term which I understand is also the interval?

(Given that I am writing the exam in a couple of hours, a quick reply would be appreciated :-) )
 
It is related to the fact that for an even function $g(x)$ it holds that

$$ \int_{-a}^a g({x}) d x = 2 \int_0^a g ({x}) d x$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K