LAPLACE TRANSFORMATION
1. INTRODUCTION:
The Laplace Transform is a specific type of integral transform. Considering a
function f (t), its corresponding Laplace Transform will be denoted as L[f(t)],
where L is the operator operated on the time domain function f(t). The Laplace
Transform of a function results in a new function of complex frequency s. Like the
Fourier Transform, the Laplace Transform is also used in solving differential and
integral equations. It is also predominantly used in the analysis of transient events
in the electrical circuits where frequency domain analysis is used.
2. BRIEF HISTORY:
The Laplace transform is named after mathematician and astronomer Pierre-
Simon, Marquis de Laplace, who used a similar transform in his work
on probability theory.[4] Laplace wrote extensively about the use of generating
functions (1814), and the integral form of the Laplace transform evolved naturally
as a result. Laplace's use of generating functions was similar to what is now known
as the z-transform, and he gave little attention to the continuous variable case
which was discussed by Niels Henrik Abel. From 1744, Leonhard
Euler investigated integrals of the form.
as solutions of differential equations, introducing in particular the gamma function.
[7] Joseph-Louis Lagrange was an admirer of Euler and, in his work on integrating
probability density functions, investigated expressions of the form
which resembles a Laplace transform.
Some Important Properties of Laplace Transforms:
The Laplace transforms of different functions can be found in most of the
mathematics and engineering books and hence, is not included in this paper. Some
of the very important properties of Laplace transforms which will be used in its
applications to be discussed later on are described as follows:
• Linearity:
The Laplace transform of the linear sum of two Laplace transformable functions
f(t) + g(t) is given by
L(f(t) + g(t)) = F(s) + G(s)
• Differentiation:
If the function f(t) is piecewise continuous so that it has a continuous derivative f n-
1
(t) of order n-1 and a sectionally continuous derivative f n(t) in every finite interval
0 ≤ t ≤ T, then let, f(t) and
all its derivatives through f n-1(t) be of exponential order eat as t → ∞.
Then, the transform of f n
(t) exists when Re(s) > a and has the following form:
• Time delay:
The substitution of t − λ for the variable t in the transform Lf(t) corresponds to the
multiplication of the function F(s) by e -λs, that is L(f(t − λ)) = e - λs F(s).
EXAMPLE 3.1:
The tank shown in figure is initially empty (t=0) . A constant rate of flow Qi is added for t>o. The rate at
which flow leaves the tank is Q0 =CH The cross sectional area of the tank is A. Determine the differential
equation for the head H. Identify the time constant and find the transfer function of system.
Given that , Q0 =CH
Let, M= mass of Fluid
E = Density of Fluid
∵ Mass= M = Density * Volume
= AH * e
∴ Mass flow rate = M =
dM
dt
We know that, Mass flow rate into tank = Mass in flow rate – Mass out flow rate.
This equation represents the differential equation for head H.
Now, Taking Laplace Transform on both sides,
But Q0=CH,
Taking Laplace Transform, we get,
Using this in equation (i), we get,
This equation represents the transfer function of system.
Cs
∴ Time constant (τ )=
As
3. APPLICATIONS OF LAPLACE TRANSFORMS:
Cs
This section describes the applications of Laplace transforms in the areas of
science, math and engineering. At first, simple application in the area of Physics,
Differential Equations and Electric Circuit theory is presented which will be
followed by a more complex application to power system which includes the
description of Load Frequency Control (LFC) for transient stability studies.
In engineering, the mathematical formulations of some of the models /
3.2 Application∈solving simultaneous differential equation:
problems are not only in terms of single differential equations but also in
terms of simultaneous linear differential equations.
Example:
suppose a particle is moving through the plane path. At any time t, a particle
having coordinates (x,y) is moving along the path is expressed by
+2 x=sin 2 t and −2 y =cos 2 t , (𝑡 > 0). If at t = 0, x = 1 , y = 0, then by
dy dx
Laplace transform we prove the particle moves through the path
dt dt
4 x + 4 xy +5 y =4 .
2 2
Solution:
Taking Laplace transform of given simultaneous equations, we have
4. CONCLUSION
Throughout the paper, we have discussed some applications of Laplace Transform
in various fields of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics. Besides these, Laplace
transform is a very effective mathematical tool to simplify very complex problems
in the area of stability and control. With the ease of application of Laplace
transforms in myriad of scientific applications, many research softwares have made
it possible to simulate the Laplace transformable equations directly which has
made a good advancement in the research field.
