A Laplace Transform: Integral Calculation

In summary, the conversation on MHF involved a user having difficulty computing the integral $\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \ln^{2} (1+t)\ e^{- s t}\ dt$, which is the L-Transform of the function $\displaystyle \ln^{2} (1+t)$. Through the use of properties of the L-Transform, it was determined that the integral can be expressed as $\displaystyle e^{-s}\ \frac{\frac{\pi^{2}}{6} + (\gamma + \ln s)^{2}}{s}$, where $\gamma=.5772156...$ is Euler's constant. The conversation also discussed the computation of the integral $\displaystyle
  • #1
chisigma
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On MHF...

Integral Caculation

... the user widapol did have some difficulties in the computation of the integral...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \ln^{2} (1+t)\ e^{- s t}\ dt$ (1)

... which of course is the L-Transform of the function $\displaystyle \ln^{2} (1+t)$. Remembering thye basic property of the L-Transform...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{f(t+a)\} = e^{-a\ s}\ \mathcal{L}\{f(t)\}$ (2)

... and that...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{\ln^{2} t\} = \frac{\frac{\pi^{2}}{6} + (\gamma + \ln s)^{2}}{s}$ (3)

... where $\displaystyle \gamma=.5772156...$ is the Euler's constant, we easily find...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \ln^{2} (1+t)\ e^{- s t}\ dt = e^{-s}\ \frac{\frac{\pi^{2}}{6} + (\gamma + \ln s)^{2}}{s}$ (4)

A little less easy is to demonstrate that (3) is true... that will be done in a successive post...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
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  • #2
The result of the previous post would be incomplete without the computation of the integral...

$\displaystyle I(s)=\int_{0}^{\infty} \ln^{2} t\ e^{-s t}\ dt$ (1)

Setting $s\ t= \xi$ the integral becomes...

$\displaystyle I(s)= \frac{1}{s}\ \int_{0}^{\infty} \ln^{2} \frac{\xi}{s}\ e^{-\xi}\ d \xi = \frac{1}{s}\ (\int_{0}^{\infty} \ln^{2} \xi\ e^{- \xi}\ d \xi - 2\ \ln s\ \int_{0}^{\infty} \ln \xi\ e^{- \xi}\ d \xi + \ln^{2} s\ \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{- \xi}\ d \xi)$ (2)

As You can see the result is the sum of three integrals. Starting with the last it is well known that...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{- \xi}\ d \xi=1$ (3)

A little less known is the second integral that is...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \ln \xi\ e^{- \xi}\ d \xi = - \gamma$ (4)

... where $\gamma= .5772156...$ is the Euler's constant.

The first integral can be written as...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \ln^{2} \xi\ e^{- \xi}\ d \xi = \varphi^{\ ''} (0)$ (5)

... where...

$\displaystyle \varphi(x)= x!= \int_{0}^{\infty} t^{x}\ e^{- t}\ dt$ (6)

In...

http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f15/difference-equation-tutorial-draft-part-i-426/#post2494

... it has been obtained a series expansion for...

$\displaystyle \alpha(x)= \frac{d}{d x} \ln \varphi(x)= \frac{\varphi^{\ '} (x)}{\varphi(x)} = - \gamma + \sum_{k=2}^{\infty} (-1)^{k}\ \zeta(k)\ x^{k-1}$ (7)

... where $\zeta(*)$ is the 'Riemann Zeta Function'. Deriving (7) we obtain an explicit expression of $\varphi^{\ ''}(0)$... $\displaystyle \alpha^{\ '}(0)= \frac{\varphi^{\ ''}(0)}{\varphi(0)} - \frac{\varphi^{\ '\ 2}(0)}{\varphi^{2}(0)} \implies \varphi^{\ ''}(0)= \alpha^{\ '}(0) + \varphi^{\ '\ 2}(0) = \zeta(2) + \gamma^{2}= \frac{\pi^{2}}{6} + \gamma^{2}$ (8)

... so that is...

$\displaystyle I(s)= \frac{1}{s}\ \{ \frac{\pi^{2}}{6}+ (\gamma+ \ln s)^{2}\}$ (9)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

FAQ: A Laplace Transform: Integral Calculation

What is a Laplace Transform?

A Laplace Transform is a mathematical operation that is used to transform a function from the time domain to the frequency domain. It is commonly used in engineering and physics to solve differential equations and analyze systems.

What is the purpose of using a Laplace Transform?

The purpose of using a Laplace Transform is to simplify the process of solving differential equations. It allows us to convert a complex differential equation into a simpler algebraic equation, which can then be solved using standard mathematical techniques.

How is a Laplace Transform calculated?

The Laplace Transform is calculated by integrating a function multiplied by the exponential function e^-st, where s is a complex variable. This integral is known as the Laplace integral and can be solved using tables or by using software such as Matlab or Mathematica.

What are the advantages of using a Laplace Transform?

One of the main advantages of using a Laplace Transform is that it is a powerful tool for solving differential equations. It also allows us to analyze systems in the frequency domain, which can provide valuable insights and help in designing systems with specific properties.

Are there any limitations of using a Laplace Transform?

Yes, there are some limitations to using a Laplace Transform. It cannot be used for discontinuous or non-differentiable functions, and it is also limited to linear systems. Additionally, it may not always provide a unique solution, and some inverse Laplace Transforms may be difficult to calculate.

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