Solving an ODE with the Laplace transform

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) using the Laplace transform. The original poster presents a specific equation, y′′(t)+2y′(t)+10y(t)=0, with an initial condition of y(0⁻)=4, and seeks to find the function y(t). Participants explore the implications of initial conditions and the correctness of the Laplace transform application.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of two initial conditions for a second-order differential equation and question the correctness of the original poster's application of the Laplace transform. There is also a focus on the completion of the square in the context of simplifying expressions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct application of the Laplace transform and the importance of initial conditions. There are ongoing questions regarding the completion of the square and the implications of the transfer function's poles and zeros.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's approach may have been flawed due to incomplete initial conditions and incorrect algebraic manipulations. There is a mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the relationship between poles and zeros in transfer functions.

PainterGuy
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Moved from a technical forum, so homework template missing
Hi again,

The previous problem was done using y′′(t)+2y′(t)+10y(t)=10 with with intial condition y(0⁻)=0.

In the following case, I'm using an initial condition and setting the right hand side equal to zero.

Find y(t) for the following differential equation with intial condition y(0⁻)=4.
y′′(t)+2y′(t)+10y(t)=0

Using the following formulas.
ℒy(t)=Y(s)
ℒ{y′(t)}=sY(s)-f(0⁻)=sY(s)-4
ℒ{y′′(t)}=ℒ{(sY(s)-4)′}=ℒ{(sY(s)′-4′)}=ℒ{(sY(s)′)}=s²Y(s)-4s

y′′(t)+2y′(t)+10y(t)=0
⇒{s²Y(s)-4s}+2{sY(s)-4}+10Y(s)=0
⇒s²Y(s)-4s+2sY(s)-8+10Y(s)=0
⇒s²Y(s)+2sY(s)+10Y(s)-4s-8=0
⇒s²Y(s)+2sY(s)+10Y(s)=4s+8
⇒Y(s){s²+2s+10}=4s+8
⇒Y(s) = (4s+8) / (s²+2s+10)

Now finding the inverse Laplace transform.

Method 1:
https://www.physicsforums.com/attac...261154/?hash=ab39a4f0474f3384a6a5c37cdc441e05

1587534843424.png


Method 2:

This method I found from this video.

1587534952010.png
1587534990407.png


Question:

You can see that I'm getting different functions, f(t), for the mentioned methods. Where am I going wrong? Which f(t) is correct? Thank you for the help.
 

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For a 2nd-order DE, you need two initial conditions, typically f(0) and f'(0).
This formula from above isn't correct:
ℒ{y′′(t)}=ℒ{(sY(s)-4)′}=ℒ{(sY(s)′-4′)}=ℒ{(sY(s)′)}=s²Y(s)-4s

See #36 in this table: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/pdf/Laplace_Table.pdf
 
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In your first attempt, you complete the square incorrectly: ##s^2+2s+10 = (s+1)^2+9##.
 
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Mark44 said:
For a 2nd-order DE, you need two initial conditions, typically f(0) and f'(0).
This formula from above isn't correct:

Thank you. Yes, sorry, I didn't realize it at that time.

The previous problem was done using y′′(t)+2y′(t)+10y(t)=10 with with intial condition y(0⁻)=0. If y(t) represents displacement then its first derivative would be velocity function, v(t). As an initial condition it is assumed that y'(0⁻)=v(0⁻)=0. Now we have two initial conditions, i.e. two pieces of information about the system just a moment before it's analytically observed.

1587593819767.png


vela said:
In your first attempt, you complete the square incorrectly: ##s^2+2s+10 = (s+1)^2+9##.

I have corrected Method 1 below. Now the results from both Methods agree. But I have a related question which is below the plot.

1587594029421.png


1587594066709.png


Question:
Apparently I completed the square wrongly but overall my completed square agrees with the original expression s²+2s+10. So, does completing a square method require that no fractions or decimals should be used, or what else is wrong with my method? Please guide me.

s²+2αs+α²+β²=s²+2s+10=s²+2(1/2)s+(1/2)²+(3.1225)²={s+(1/2)}²+3.1225²=(s+α)²+β²
 
PainterGuy said:
s²+2(1/2)s+(1/2)²+(3.1225)²
Without assuming what the answer is, try simplifying that expression. I guarantee you do not get what you started with.
 
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Let's try it: s²+2(1/2)s+(1/2)²+(3.1225)² =s²+(2/2)s+(1/4)+9.750=s²+s+0.25+9.750=s²+s+10

original expression: s²+2s+10

s²+2s+10 ≠ s²+s+10

Sorry! :sorry:
 
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Hi,

I read somewhere that for a transfer function, the number of poles (roots of denominator) and zeros (roots of numerator) is equal. The transfer function from post #1, Y(s)=(4s+8) / (s²+2s+10), has poles at -1±3i and a zero at -2. Where is the second zero located? Thank you for the help!
 
Could someone please comment on my previous post?
 
Original expression: Y(s)=(4s+8) / (s²+2s+10)

I think we could divide both numerator and denominator by "s²".

(1/s²)(4s+8) / (1/s²)(s²+2s+10) = (4/s+8/s²) / (1+2/s+10/s²)

As s→∞ (4/s+8/s²) / (1+2/s+10/s²) = 0/1 = 0

I think it gives us a zero at infinity.
 

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