Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Module 1 – Lesson 1
Laplace Transforms
Engr. Richard T. Earnhart
Introduction
• Laplace transforms are powerful tools in solving
linear ODEs and related initial value problems, as
well as systems of linear ODEs.
• Some of its applications can be found in electrical
networks, springs, signal processing, and other
areas of engineering.
Integral Definition
The Laplace transform of a given function f(t) is the
function F(s) obtained by evaluating the following
improper integral. +
! " = ℒ %(') = ) , -./ % ' 0'
*
Note that f(t) is defined for all t>0. Also, we assume
that the above integral exists.
Example 1
Let ! " = $ %& when " ≥ 0, where * is constant. Find
ℒ $ %& .
Laplace Transform Table
Page 207 Table 6.1, Kreyzig
Gamma Function and Properties
• Γ " + 1 = "! for n=1,2,3,…
•Γ 1 =1
• Γ " + 1 = "Γ(") for n>-1
)
•Γ =+
*
Example 2
Find the Laplace transform of the following functions.
!
a) # $!%
"
b) & '
Example 2
Find the Laplace transform of the following functions.
"
c) ! + % &' + 8 sin 2!
#
b) cos / 3!
Unit Step Function
• In engineering, functions that are either “off” or “on” are
usually encountered.
• One important example of these functions is the one
occurring in electrical systems particularly on the
impressed voltage on a circuit that can be turned off after
a period of time.
• The said function is known as (delayed) unit step function
for c ≥ 0.
• This function delays its output at the value 0 (off) until a
certain time t = c and then assumes a constant value of
one unit (on).
The Unit Step Function
• The unit step function or also known as the
Heaviside’s unit step function about point c is
defined by
0, " < $
! "−$ =&
1, " ≥ $
.
The Unit Step Function
• The Laplace transform of a unit step function is given
by
) *+,
ʆ "($ − &) = , - > 0.
-
Example 3
Express the given function in terms of the unit step
function and find the Laplace transform.
−2, " < 5
! " =$ .
4, " ≥ 5