Solving ODE Step function with Laplace

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) using Laplace transforms, specifically with a step function as the forcing term. The equation is given as y'' + 16y = f(t), where f(t) is defined piecewise, with initial conditions y(0) = 0 and y'(0) = 0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the Laplace transform to both sides of the equation and the subsequent manipulation of the resulting expression. There are attempts to clarify the correct form of the Laplace transform for the piecewise function and to verify the steps taken in the transformation process.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to derive the Laplace transform and to express the solution in terms of piecewise functions. Some participants question the correctness of the transformations and the application of partial fractions, while others provide feedback on specific steps taken. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct form of the solution without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in the application of the Laplace transform, particularly regarding the treatment of the step function and the initial conditions. There is also mention of formatting equations for clarity in the discussion.

xVladx
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Homework Statement



Hi all came across this problem whilst doing some revision and i can't work out the answer

Solve the following equation with laplace transformation

Homework Equations



y''+16y = f(t) = { 1 t < pi ] with y(0) = 0 and y'(0) = 0
_____________{ 0 t >= pi ]

The Attempt at a Solution



I find the laplace transform and get:

Y(s) = (1/16s)-(1/(16(s^2+4^2)))-(e^(-pi*s)/(s^2+4^2))

I am kind of stuck when doing the final step since never delt with this type of problem and the sine/cosine transforms.

I come up with y(t)=1/16 - sin(4t)/64 - (sin(4t)* u(t - pi)) /16 but not sure if it is right or how to get it back to the final form.

Any help is appreciated
 
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xVladx said:
I find the laplace transform and get:

Y(s) = (1/16s)-(1/(16(s^2+4^2)))-(e^(-pi*s)/(s^2+4^2))
Show us your work to get to this point. It doesn't look right to me.
 
Take Laplace of both sides:
s^2Y(s) -sy(0)-y'(0) +16Y= 1/s - e^-pi*s
y(0) = y'(0) = 0
Y(s^2+16)=1/s - e^-pi*s
Y = [1/s(s^2+16)] - e^-pi*s/(s^2+16)
Using partial fractions [1/s(s^2+16)] = 1/16s - 1/16(s^2+4^2)
Y(s) = (1/16s)-(1/(16(s^2+4^2)))-(e^(-pi*s)/(s^2+4^2))
 
Also I've seen in other posts that some people can post the equation writing similar to the way it is done in MS word, how do you do that? would be much neater then
 
You took the Laplace transform of the righthand side incorrectly. In the time domain, you can write it as 1-u(t-pi). You didn't calculate the transform of the second term correctly.

Regarding posting equations, start here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=386951
 
Last edited by a moderator:
xVladx said:
Also I've seen in other posts that some people can post the equation writing similar to the way it is done in MS word, how do you do that? would be much neater then

Nevermind this I found out about the Latex thing. Just going to restate the problem to give it a try

[itex]\ddot{y}[/itex] + 16y = f(t) = [itex]\left\{\begin{array}{cc}1&t<{\pi}\\0 & t\geq{\pi}\end{array}\right][/itex] with y(0) = 0 and [itex]\dot{y}[/itex](0) = 0
 
Should I have gotten Laplace [itex](1-u(t-\pi))[/itex] = [itex]\LARGE\frac{1}{s}-\frac{e^{-\pi s}}{s}[/itex]
 
Yes.
 
Would my answer then be
y(t) = [itex]\left\{\begin{array}{cc}\frac{1}{16}-\frac{1}{64\sin(4t)}&t<{\pi}\\0 & t\geq{\pi}\end{array}\right][/itex]
 
  • #10
No, that's not correct.
 
  • #11
OK guess I am stuck then.
 
  • #12
Recheck your partial fractions decomposition of

[tex]\frac{1}{s(s^2+16)}[/tex]

And how did you end up with the sine in the denominator?
 
  • #13
Hmm mistyped my Latex, I ment:

y(t) = [itex]\left\{\begin{array}{cc}\frac{1}{16}-\frac{\cos(4t)}{16}&t<{\pi}\\0 & t\geq{\pi}\end{array}\right][/itex][/QUOTE]
 
  • #14
You got it.
 
  • #15
Thanks very much for you help! :)
 

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