11.7.2 - Fourier Transform of Exponential Decay
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Introduction to Fourier Transform of Exponential Decay
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Today, we're exploring the Fourier Transform of exponential decay. This transformation can help us analyze how functions behave in the frequency domain.
Why is the Fourier Transform important for decay functions specifically?
Great question! Decay functions, like f(t) = e^{-at}u(t), model signals that diminish over time. The Fourier Transform allows us to assess their frequency characteristics.
Can you give us a simple example of exponential decay?
Certainly! Consider a cooling cup of coffee. The temperature decreases exponentially, represented mathematically by an exponential decay function.
Mathematical Derivation of the Transform
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Let's derive the Fourier Transform of f(t) = e^{-at}u(t). We'll start by writing the integral expression for the transform.
So, we integrate from zero to infinity, right?
Exactly! We have: F(ω) = ∫_{0}^{∞} e^{-at} e^{-iωt} dt. Notice the combination in the exponent simplifies our integration.
What do we obtain when we combine the exponentials?
That leads us to e^{-(a + iω)t}. The next step is to evaluate the integral.
Evaluating the Integral
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Let’s evaluate the integral: F(ω) = ∫_{0}^{∞} e^{-(a + iω)t} dt. What do we notice about the limits of integration?
It goes from 0 to infinity. Does that mean we can simplify the evaluation with limits?
Exactly! Evaluating the integral gives F(ω) = \frac{1}{a + iω}. This is our Fourier Transform.
What does this result imply about the function's behavior in the frequency domain?
It tells us how the decay function contributes to different frequencies, which is critical in various applications like vibration analysis.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section delves into the Fourier Transform of the function f(t) = e^(-at)u(t), where a > 0. It presents the mathematical derivation of the Fourier Transform and its implications in the frequency domain, particularly in applied sciences.
Detailed
Fourier Transform of Exponential Decay
The Fourier Transform is a powerful mathematical tool for converting functions from the time domain to the frequency domain. In this section, we focus on deriving the Fourier Transform of the exponential decay function expressed as:
f(t) = e^{-at}u(t), where a > 0. This function signifies a signal that starts at zero and exponentially decays over time.
Derivation Process:
The Fourier Transform is defined by the integral:
$$ F(ω) = ∫_{0}^{∞} e^{-at} e^{-iωt} dt $$
This integral can be simplified as follows:
- Combine the expressions in the exponent:
$$ F(ω) = ∫_{0}^{∞} e^{-(a + iω)t} dt $$ - Recognize the integral form, which evaluates as:
$$ F(ω) = \frac{1}{-(a + iω)} igg|_0^{∞} $$
The evaluation gives us the transform:
$$ F(ω) = \frac{1}{a + iω} $$
This result is not just mathematically significant; it allows for analysis of signals that decay over time, which is common in physical systems such as vibrations and thermal properties in engineering. The result showcases the behavior of such a function in the frequency domain and its implications for engineering and applied science problems.
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Definition of Exponential Decay Function
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
Let f(t)=e−atu(t), where a>0, u(t) is the unit step function.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the exponential decay function, denoted as f(t). The expression f(t) = e^{-at}u(t) indicates that the function decays exponentially over time. Here, 'a' is a positive constant that determines the rate of decay, and 'u(t)' is the unit step function, which ensures that the function is defined and starts from zero at t < 0. This means f(t) is 0 for negative time and follows the exponential decay for t ≥ 0.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a tank of water where the water level decreases over time due to a small hole at the bottom. If we let 'a' represent the speed at which the water leaks out, the water level (analogous to f(t)) will decay exponentially after the hole is created. Before the hole is made, the water level remains unchanged (u(t) = 0), but once it’s opened, the level starts to decrease (u(t) = 1).
Calculating the Fourier Transform
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
Z ∞ Z ∞ F(ω)= e−ate−iωtdt= e−(a+iω)tdt 0 0
Detailed Explanation
In this part, we calculate the Fourier Transform of the function f(t). The initial expression combines the exponential decay term with a complex exponential, e^{-iωt}, which represents a rotating vector in the complex plane. As we integrate from 0 to infinity (the limits of the integral), we simplify our expression into e^{-(a+iω)t}. This transformation allows us to consider both the decay and oscillation in the frequency domain.
Examples & Analogies
Think of tuning a musical instrument. The sound emitted is complex and changes over time, similar to the decay we observe in the function. When we analyze the sound waves using Fourier Transform, we can break down the complex sounds (like e^{-iωt}) into base frequencies, just like analyzing how the water level changes from its original state.
Completing the Integral Calculation
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
F(ω)= (e−(a+iω)t | ∞ 1 −(a+iω) 0
Detailed Explanation
This chunk outlines the result of integrating the function we derived. When substituting the limits, the term e^{-(a+iω)t} approaches zero as t approaches infinity because of the exponential decay. Thus, we are left with the expression F(ω) = 1/(a+iω). This result shows how the frequencies (ω) interact with our decay rate (a) and gives us the final Fourier Transform of the signal.
Examples & Analogies
Returning to our tank analogy, think of how once the hole is open, the water quickly drains away. After a while, there’s almost no water left—this concept mirrors the behavior of our function as time goes to infinity. The remaining factors show how quickly things change in relation to how they decay (a) and how they oscillate (ω), akin to persistent sound fainter over time as it dissipates.
Key Concepts
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Fourier Transform: A mathematical technique for converting time domain functions into frequency domain representations.
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Exponential Decay: A model where quantities decrease exponentially over time, represented mathematically by e^{-at}.
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Unit Step Function: A function that transitions from 0 to 1 at t=0, affecting how we're looking at decay over time.
Examples & Applications
The function f(t)=e^{-2t}u(t) can be analyzed using the Fourier Transform to understand its frequency behavior.
In engineering applications, understanding the decay of vibrations after a force is applied can also be modeled with the same exponential function.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
When decay is a game to play,
Stories
Imagine a gardener who waters a flower that wilts over time; the garden truly shows its frequency patterns through the passage of days, much like analyzing an exponential decay function.
Memory Tools
Fate: Frequency Analysis of Time Exponential.
Acronyms
FET
Fourier Exponential Transform.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Fourier Transform
A mathematical transformation that converts a function of time into its frequency domain representation.
- Exponential Decay
A phenomenon where the quantity decreases at a rate proportional to its current value, often modeled by the function e^{-at}.
- Unit Step Function
A function that is zero for negative time and one for positive time, denoted as u(t).
- Frequency Domain
A representation of signals or functions in terms of their frequency components.
- Complex Exponential
An expression involving imaginary numbers that is commonly used in Fourier analysis.
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