Mathematical Review on Laplace Transform

The Laplace transform method is a powerful method for solving linear ODEs and
corresponding initial value problems, as well as systems of ODEs arising in engineering.
The process of solution consists of three (3) steps
Step 1. The given ODE is transformed into an algebraic equation (“subsidiary equation)
Step 2. The subsidiary equation is solved by purely algebraic manipulations
Step 3. The solution in step 2 is transformed back, resulting in the solution of the given
problem

Solving an IVP by Laplace Transform1

If f(t) is a function defined for all t ≥ 0, its Laplace Tranform is the integral of

(1)

Example 1
Example 2
 Table 6.1: Some Function f(t) and their Laplace Transform F(s)

TUTORIAL 1: MATHEMATICAL REVIEW (extended)

1. Find the Laplace transform of time function 𝑓 (𝑡) =7+2 e−3 t

2. Verify question (1) above by using MATLAB Sofware.

Code hint
>>syms s t; % Command to run MATLAB in s and t domains
>>f=7+2*exp(-3*t) % Entering the function
>>F=laplace(f,t,s) % Executing Laplace Transform command

3. Find the inverse Laplace Transform of a rational function and

5
𝐹 (𝑠) = 2
s + 3 s+ 2

4. Find the inverse Laplace transform of a rational function

 2
𝐹 (𝑠) =
( s+ 1 )( s+2 )2

5. Verify the result in question (5) above using MATLAB Sofware

Code hint
>> syms st;
>>F=2/((s+1)*(s+2)^2)
>>f=ilaplace(F,s,t)

Additional Example

A suspension system with a sinusoidal input of f (t)=4 sin 2 t and its equation of motion is
derived as ẍ +6 ẋ=25 x. Determine the displacement,x (t ) using Laplace Transform.

Solution
The mathematical expression of the system can be represented as ẍ +6 ẋ=25 x=4 sin 2t where
it is a Non-Homogeneous ODE with IVP of input of f (t).

Taking Laplace Transform (Table 6.1);

x ( s 2+ 6 s+ 25 )=4
( s +22 )
2 2

8
x ( s )=
( ( s +3 ) +4 2 ) ( s 2+ 22 )
2

Using Partial Fraction Approach

As +B Cs+ D 8
x ( s )= + 2 2=
( ( s +3 ) +4 ) ( s +2 ) ( ( s+3 ) + 42 ) ( s2 +22 )
2 2 2

Expand the terms and eliminating denominator

( As+ B ) ( s 2+2 2) + (Cs+ D ) ( ( s+ 3 )2+ 4 2) =8

[ s3 ] : A +C=0 : A=−C
[ s2 ] : B+6 C + D=0:24 C−21 D=−8
[ s1 ] : 4 A+25 C +6 D=0 :21 C+6 D=0

[ s0 ] :4 B+25 D=8: B= 8−25 D

4
24 C−21 D=−8: X 2 48C−42 D=−16
21 C+6 D=0 : X 21147 C +42 D=0

Hence;
16 40 −16 56
A= ; B= ; c= ; D=
195 195 195 195

1 16 s+ 40 1 −16 s+56
x ( s )= +
195 ( ( s +3 ) +4 ) 195 ( s2 +22 )
2 2

1
x ( t )= [ ( 16 e−3t cos 4 t−2 e−3 t sin 4 t ) + (−16 cos 2t +24 sin 2 t ) ] (Plot the graph of this
195
equation)