Solve a Laplace transform puzzle

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a Laplace transform problem involving the integral of the hyperbolic cosine function multiplied by the unit step function. The initial conclusion derived using the standard Laplace formula was exp(-s)/(s^2-1), while a direct integral approach yielded (1/2)*(exp(-1)/(s-1)-exp(1)/(s+1)). The inconsistency between these two results was resolved by recognizing that the integral vanishes for t < 1, leading to a correction in the application of the unit step function. The correct integral transformation was clarified as ∫_1^t cosh(t'-1) dt'.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Laplace transforms and their properties
  • Familiarity with hyperbolic functions, specifically cosh and sinh
  • Knowledge of the unit step function U(t) and its implications in integrals
  • Basic calculus skills, particularly integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the unit step function U(t) in Laplace transforms
  • Learn about the derivation and applications of the Laplace transform of hyperbolic functions
  • Explore the method of integration by substitution in the context of Laplace transforms
  • Investigate common pitfalls in applying the Laplace transform to piecewise functions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, engineering students, and professionals working with differential equations and control systems who require a solid understanding of Laplace transforms and their applications.

davyyao
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hi~
I recently solve a Laplace transform problem as following
L[int{t,0}cosh(t'-1)U(t'-1)dt']=? U(t'-1) is the unit step function(=1 for t'>1, =zero otherwise)
According the standard Laplace formula :
(1)L[cosh(t-1)U(t-1)]=exp(-s)*s/(s^2-1);
(2)L(int{t,0}f(t')dt')=F(s)/s. where F(s)=L(f(t))

I conclude the answer to be:
exp(-s)/(s^2-1)

But from the direct integral formula:
L[int{t,0}cosh(t'-1)U(t'-1)dt']=L[sinh(t-1)]=(1/2)*(exp(-1)/(s-1)-exp(1)/(s+1)).

This two answers are not consistent!
I totally have no idea what's wrong with the two methods?

I believe the second method should be correct by basic definition of Laplace transformation.

Thanks very much!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How did you find the direct integral (the step at the first equal sign)?
 
davyyao said:
Hi~
I recently solve a Laplace transform problem as following
L[int{t,0}cosh(t'-1)U(t'-1)dt']=? U(t'-1) is the unit step function(=1 for t'>1, =zero otherwise)
According the standard Laplace formula :
(1)L[cosh(t-1)U(t-1)]=exp(-s)*s/(s^2-1);
(2)L(int{t,0}f(t')dt')=F(s)/s. where F(s)=L(f(t))

I conclude the answer to be:
exp(-s)/(s^2-1)

But from the direct integral formula:
L[int{t,0}cosh(t'-1)U(t'-1)dt']=L[sinh(t-1)]=(1/2)*(exp(-1)/(s-1)-exp(1)/(s+1)).

This two answers are not consistent!
I totally have no idea what's wrong with the two methods?

I believe the second method should be correct by basic definition of Laplace transformation.

Thanks very much!

\int_0^t \cosh(t&#039;-1) U(t&#039;-1) \, dt&#039; \neq \sinh(t-1)
because the integral vanishes if t < 1 but sinh(t-1) does not.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
\int_0^t cosh(t&#039;- 1)U(t&#039;-1)dt&#039;= \int_1^t cos(t&#039;- 1)dt&#039;
and with the substitution u= t'- 1, du= dt', when t'= 1, u= 0 and when t'= t, u= t- 1 so that becomes
\int_0^{t-1} cosh(u)du.
 
Thanks Ray Vickson and Hallsoflvy for nice answering.
I think I make mistake to deal with the unit step function in the integral form.
It clear now for me!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
968
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K