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MATE2A2 Dirac Delta Function
MATE2A2 Dirac Delta Function
Faculty of Science
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Lecturers: IK Letlhage, SM Simelane & V Sixaba
1. Introduction
So far, we have considered initial value problems for the constant coefficient equation ay00 + by0 + cy = f (t),
where f is continuous or piecewise continuous on [0,∞). In this section we consider initial value problems where
f represents a force that is very large for a short time and zero otherwise. We say that such forces are impulsive.
Impulsive forces occur, for example, when two objects collide. Since it is not feasible to represent such forces as
continuous or piecewise continuous functions, we must construct a different mathematical model to deal with them.
In nature, a sudden impulse of a very large magnitude can create havoc. Examples:
• An airplane making a hard landing,
To model a force of large magnitude impacting on a system at an instant t = a, consider the function
0 t,a
δ(t − a) = .
(2.1)
t=a
∞
By the concept “large magnitude”, we indicate infinity. δ(t − a) is the notation for the Dirac delta or impulse function,
where the constant a indicates to the instant of impact. Graphically,
1
3. Laplace Transform of Dirac Delta Function
The Laplace transforms for Dirac delta functions are calculated as follows:
f (t) F(s)
δ(t − a) e−as
f (t)δ(t − a) e−as . f (a)
Example 1: Use the table above to find the following Laplace transforms.
1.
2.
3.
L{δ(t)} = e ps = 1, with a = 0.
4.
π
π − s π π
L{sin(t).δ(t − )} = e 2 .sin , with a = and f (t) = sint.
2 2 2
π
− s
=e 2
5.
2
4. Solving DEs Involving Dirac Delta Functions
We now consider initial value problems of the form ay00 + by0 + cy = f (t), y(0) = k0 , y0 (0) = k1 , where a, b, and
c are constants (a , 0) and f is Dirac delta on [0, ∞). As mentioned earlier, problems of this kind occur in situations
where a physical system undergoes a force of large magnitude (an impulse causes a jump discontinuity in the system).
Example 2: Solve the IVP y00 + 2y0 + 2 = δ(t − 3) subject to y(0) = y0 (0) = 0.
Example 3: At t = 2π, a sudden shock voltage is applied to a circuit and is model by the DE
with initial charge q = 1C and initial current i = 10A. Find the solution and discuss the motion as t → ∞.
s2 L{x} − sx(0) − x0 (0) + L{x} = 4e−2πs Introduce Laplace transforms on both sides
s L{x} − x + L{x} = 4e
2 −2πs
Substitute the initial conditions
L{x}(s + 1) = 4e
2 −2πs
+s Manipulate to make L{x} the subject
−2πs
4e s
L{x} = +
s2 + 1 s2 + 1
( −2πs )
−1 4e s
x=L + Take the inverse Laplace transform
s2 + 1 s2 + 1
x = 4sin(t − 2π)u(t − 2π) + cost
The first term in the solution means that 4sin(t − 2π) will only be switched on with u(t − 2π) at time t = 2π. Hence
0 ≤ t < 2π : x = cost
t ≥ 2π: 4sin(t − 2π)u(t − 2π) + cost
3
Please see examples 8.7.1 on page 457, 8.7.2 on page 458 and 8.7.3 on page 459.
with initial displacement θ(0) = 1 and initial velocity θ0 (0) = 0. Find an expression for the displacement θ in
terms of t. Will the system eventually come to rest?
5. All the exercises in the Trench textbook (page 437 - 440). Work on problems 1. to 20.
c Compiled by SM Simelane