Derivation of Fourier Transform of Common Functions
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Fourier Transform of Rectangular Pulse
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Let's dive into the Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse. Can anyone define what shape a rectangular pulse has?
It's a function that is constant for a duration and zero elsewhere.
Exactly! Now, we define it mathematically. For a rectangular pulse of width T, it is 1 when |t| is less than or equal to T/2, and 0 otherwise. Now, who can tell me what the Fourier Transform of this rectangular pulse results in?
Is it related to the sinc function?
Yes! Good catch! The result is T multiplied by sinc(ωT/2π). This indicates the frequency components present in the signal. Remember, sinc(x) is sin(πx)/(πx). Let's keep that in your memory.
Why is the rect function important in civil engineering?
It's crucial for analyzing transient signals in various applications like vibration monitoring and signal processing. Recapping, the rectangular pulse transforms to a sinc function in the frequency domain, capturing all solutions related to vibration analysis.
Fourier Transform of Exponential Decay
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Now, let's turn our attention to another function: exponential decay. Who can identify this function?
Isn't it something like e^{-at} which signifies that the value decreases over time?
Exactly! For a positive constant 'a', the function is e^{-at}u(t). Can someone recall how we derive the Fourier Transform for this function?
We integrate e^{-at} e^{-iωt} from 0 to infinity, right?
Correct! And the result will be 1/(a+iω). This transform helps describe decay processes in systems. Can anyone think of a real-world application where this transform might be relevant?
Maybe in heat transfer problems?
Absolutely! Inverse heat conduction or transient states in materials. To summarize, the Fourier Transform of the exponential decay plays a vital role in analyzing time-dependent signals effectively.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The derivation of the Fourier Transform is explained for rectangular pulse and exponential decay functions, highlighting their significance in signal analysis within civil engineering. The importance of these transforms in analyzing phenomena such as vibrations and heat transfer is emphasized.
Detailed
Derivation of Fourier Transform of Common Functions
This section delves into the derivation of the Fourier Transform for commonly used functions in civil engineering applications. The focus is primarily on two key functions: the rectangular pulse and the exponential decay. Understanding these transforms is vital in fields such as structural analysis, signal processing, and heat transfer.
11.7.1 Fourier Transform of Rectangular Pulse
A rectangular pulse function is defined as:
$$
f(t) = \begin{cases}
1 & \text{if } |t| \leq T/2 \
0 & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}$$
The Fourier Transform for this pulse is derived using the integral:
$$F(\omega) = \int_{-T/2}^{T/2} e^{-i\omega t} dt = \frac{2 \sin(\omega T/2)}{\omega} = T \cdot sinc\left(\frac{\omega T}{2\pi}\right)$$
This transform is fundamental in signal analysis as it characterizes the frequency components of a rectangular signal.
11.7.2 Fourier Transform of Exponential Decay
The second function discussed is the exponential decay, defined as:
$$f(t) = e^{-at}u(t), \quad (a > 0)$$
The Fourier Transform calculation leads to:
$$F(\omega) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-at} e^{-i\omega t} dt = \frac{1}{a + i\omega}$$
This transform is pivotal for analyzing decaying signals, such as those found in vibrations and thermal processes.
Overall, this section underscores the significance of deriving Fourier Transforms for specific functions in civil engineering applications and their pivotal role in frequency analysis.
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Fourier Transform of Rectangular Pulse
Chapter 1 of 2
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Chapter Content
Let
$$f(t)= \begin{cases} 1 & |t| \leq T \ 0 & \text{otherwise} \end{cases}$$
This is a rectangular pulse of width T.
Fourier Transform:
$$F(\omega)= \int_{-T/2}^{T/2} e^{-i\omega t} dt = \left[\frac{e^{-i\omega t}}{-i\omega}\right]_{-T/2}^{T/2}$$
$$= \frac{2\sin(\omega T/2)}{\omega} \quad \Rightarrow \quad F(\omega) = T \cdot \text{sinc}\left(\frac{\omega T}{2\pi}\right)$$
where sinc(x) = \frac{\sin(\pi x)}{\pi x}.
This transform is fundamental in signal analysis.
Detailed Explanation
The Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse is derived by integrating the exponential function multiplied by our pulse function over its defined limits. The rectangular pulse is defined as having a value of 1 within a certain length T and 0 otherwise. The integration provides us with a sine function, leading to the relation with the sinc function, which is common in signal processing as it describes the shape of the Fourier Transform in relation to a fundamental frequency.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine turning on a light in a dark room just for a moment and then turning it off again—this is like a rectangular pulse. The light being on represents the pulse (value of 1), while it being off represents when no light is there (value of 0). The Fourier Transform helps us analyze how this 'moment of light' translates into frequency components, similar to how music is made up of different notes.
Fourier Transform of Exponential Decay
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Chapter Content
Let
$$f(t)= e^{-a t}u(t), \quad a > 0, \quad u(t) \text{ is the unit step function.}$$
$$F(\omega)= \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-a t} e^{-i\omega t} dt = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-(a+i\omega)t} dt$$
Calculating this integral gives:
$$= \left[\frac{e^{-(a+i\omega)t}}{-(a+i\omega)}\right]_{0}^{\infty} \quad = \frac{1}{a+i\omega}.$$
Detailed Explanation
To derive the Fourier Transform of the exponential decay function, we multiply our function by a complex exponential and integrate from 0 to infinity. The unit step function, u(t), ensures that the function is zero for t < 0. The integral simplifies to a rational expression, revealing how decay translates into frequency components. The presence of the parameter 'a' gives us insight into the rate of decay and affects the positioning of the result in the frequency domain.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how a candle burns down over time. At first, it has a strong glow, and as time passes, the glow diminishes—this is similar to how an exponential decay function behaves. The Fourier Transform allows us to see not just the brightness of the candle but also how that changes over time in terms of frequency, providing a deeper understanding of the underlying process.
Key Concepts
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Fourier Transform: Converts signals from time to frequency domain.
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Rectangular Pulse: Essential for creating square wave signals in analysis.
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Exponential Decay: Important for modeling damped vibrations and thermal processes.
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Sinc Function: Result of the Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse.
Examples & Applications
The Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse helps in filtering applications for signal processing.
The exponential decay Fourier Transform applies to systems that exhibit losing energy over time, such as cooling.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
For a pulse that's rectangular and wide, in frequency it’s sinc that takes stride.
Stories
Imagine a signal that only plays for a second, it pulses strong, then fades to a legend; in frequency, the sinc waves take flight, echoing its presence in the night.
Memory Tools
Remember: 'Registers Analyze Frequencies Thoroughly' - R.A.F.T. for Rectangular Pulses, Analysis, Fourier Transform.
Acronyms
FREED - Fourier Representation for Exponential Decay.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Fourier Transform
A mathematical transformation that converts a time-domain signal into its frequency-domain representation.
- Rectangular Pulse
A waveform that is constant for a finite duration and zero outside this duration.
- Exponential Decay
A function that decreases at a rate proportional to its value, typically described by the form e^{-at}.
- Sinc Function
A function defined as sinc(x) = sin(πx)/(πx), commonly arising in Fourier analysis.
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