Orthogonality, Fourier series and Kronecker delta

In summary, the Fourier series for a square wave function can be expressed as a summation of coefficients multiplied by a sine function with increasing values of m. For a semi-infinite bar subject to periodic heating, the temperature can be expressed as a function of x and t, where alpha is a constant determined by separating variables and solving the heat equation.
  • #1
TobyDarkeness
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Homework Statement



Show that the orthogonality relation for the "cosine basis functions" used in the Fourier series is

1/L[tex]\int[/tex]cos[(n*pi*x)/L)]cos[(m*pi*x)/L)]dx = {Sin([n-m]*pi)}/[(n-m)*pi] + {Sin([n+m]*pi)}/[(n+m)*pi]

By considering the different integer n and m, show that the right hand side is equal to [tex]\delta[/tex](nm)

Homework Equations



the limits of integration are -L to L

The Attempt at a Solution


we haven't been taught how to handle this type of integral i know what the solution looks like but i don't know the process to get there. Our task is to find out. Could anyone help me? thanks in advance.
 
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  • #3
ah i see so i should use, 1/2{cos[(n*pi*x)-(m*pi*x)]+cos[(m*pi*x)+(n*pi*x)]} substitute that into my integral and proceed with the integration and Fourier series?
 
  • #4
TobyDarkeness said:
ah i see so i should use, 1/2{cos[(n*pi*x)-(m*pi*x)]+cos[(m*pi*x)+(n*pi*x)]} substitute that into my integral and proceed with the integration and Fourier series?

Sure. I hope you haven't been waiting for my reply to proceed.
 
  • #5
Oh no, I was just checking I was heading in the correct direction thanks for the help haven't quite finished but it's coming together. A further question,

Show that the Fourier series for the square wave defined as
f(x)=-1 for -L<=x<=0
f(x)= 1 for 0<=x<=L
is given by the following equation:
f(x)=[tex]\sum[/tex] m=1 to infinity of [2/(m*pi)]*[1-(-1)^m)sin[(m*pi*x)/L]

i know this is something to do with the gibs function and (-1)^m is a cos function but i have no idea how to get here. Thanks again.
 
  • #6
TobyDarkeness said:
Oh no, I was just checking I was heading in the correct direction thanks for the help haven't quite finished but it's coming together. A further question,

Show that the Fourier series for the square wave defined as
f(x)=-1 for -L<=x<=0
f(x)= 1 for 0<=x<=L
is given by the following equation:
f(x)=[tex]\sum[/tex] m=1 to infinity of [2/(m*pi)]*[1-(-1)^m)sin[(m*pi*x)/L]

i know this is something to do with the gibs function and (-1)^m is a cos function but i have no idea how to get here. Thanks again.

You integrate f(x) times the sin function from -L to L to get the coefficient. Just break it into the two integrals from -L to 0 (where f(x)=(-1)) and 0 to L (where f(x)=1).
 
  • #7
thanks again for the help, they worked out pretty well. just another quick question if you can help.

[6] A semi-infinite bar 0 < x < ∞ is subject to periodic heating at x = 0 ; the
temperature at x = 0 is T0 cosωt and is zero at x = ∞. By solving the heat equation

∂T/∂t= 1/2(∂2T/∂x2) ,
show that

T (x,t) = T_0 exp(α x)cos(ωt − x sqrtω ),
where α is a constant to be determined.

Ok I know I need to separate variables and Iv'e been advised to solve for the time dependence first. This is what Iv'e done so far but I'm a little stuck for the next steps.

∂T/∂t= 1/2*(∂^2T/∂x^2)

T(x,t)=X(x)T(t)

∂/∂t*[X(x)T(t)]=1/2*[(∂^2)/(∂x^2)]*(X(x)T(t))

X(x)*[∂T(t)/∂t]=1/2*T(t)*[∂^2X(x)]/[∂x^2]

dividing through by 1/[X(x)T(t)]


1/[T(t)]*[∂T(t)/∂t]=1/2*[1/X(x)]*(∂^2 X(x))/∂x^2


2/T(t)*∂T(t)/∂t=1/X(x)*[(∂^2X(x))/(∂x^2)]


T(x,t) =T_0exp(αx)cos(ωt − x sqrtω)

T(0,t)=T_0cos(ωt)

T(infinity,0)=0

this is what i have not sure where to go next...

thanks again.
 
  • #8
ok i think i have to make the constants complex but I'm not sure what I should sub in.
 

FAQ: Orthogonality, Fourier series and Kronecker delta

What is orthogonality and why is it important in mathematics?

Orthogonality is a mathematical concept that describes the relationship between two vectors or functions that are perpendicular to each other. In other words, they have a 90-degree angle between them. It is important in mathematics because it allows us to break down complex systems into simpler parts that can be analyzed separately.

What is a Fourier series and how is it related to orthogonality?

A Fourier series is a mathematical representation of a periodic function using a sum of sine and cosine functions. It is related to orthogonality because the sine and cosine functions used in the series are orthogonal to each other, meaning they have a 90-degree angle between them. This allows us to use the concept of orthogonality to analyze and manipulate the Fourier series.

3. What is the Kronecker delta and how is it used in mathematics?

The Kronecker delta is a mathematical function that takes on the value of 1 when its two inputs are equal, and 0 otherwise. It is often used in mathematics to represent the relationship between two discrete variables, such as in matrix operations or in defining vector spaces.

4. How is the Kronecker delta related to the Dirac delta function?

The Kronecker delta and the Dirac delta function are both mathematical functions that take on the value of 1 at a specific point or input, and 0 everywhere else. However, the Dirac delta function is a continuous function, while the Kronecker delta is a discrete function. The Dirac delta function is also often used in physics to represent a point mass or impulse.

5. Can you give an example of how orthogonality, Fourier series, and the Kronecker delta are used in real-world applications?

Yes, these concepts are used in various fields such as engineering, signal processing, and quantum mechanics. For example, in signal processing, the Fourier series is used to decompose a signal into its individual frequency components. The Kronecker delta is used in defining vector spaces in quantum mechanics, and orthogonality is used in analyzing and manipulating quantum states.

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