Introduction

Laplace Transform enables one to get a very simple and elegant method of solving linear
differential equation by transforming them into algebraic equations. It is well known that
chemical processes are mathematically represented through a set of differential equations
involving derivatives of process states. Analytical solution of such mathematical models
in time domain is not only difficult but sometimes impossible without taking the help of
numerical techniques. Laplace Transform comes as a good aid in this situation. For this
reason, Laplace Transform has been included in the text of this “Process Control” course
material though it is purely a mathematical subject.
Definition of Laplace Transform

Consider a function f(t). The Laplace transform of the function is represented by f(s) and
defined by the following expression

Hence, the Laplace Transform is a transformation of a function from the t -domain (time
domain) to s -domain (Laplace domain) where both t and s are independent variables.

Laplace transforms play a key role in important process control concepts and techniques.

Examples

• Transfer functions

• Frequency response

• Control system design

• Stability analysis

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Inverse Laplace Transform, £−1

By definition, the inverse Laplace transform operator, £−1 , converts an s-domain function
back to the corresponding time domain function

Solution of ODEs by Laplace Transforms

Procedure:

1. Take the L of both sides of the ODE.

2. Rearrange the resulting algebraic equation in the s domain to solve for the L of
the output variable, e.g., Y(s).
3. Perform a partial fraction expansion.

4. Use the L-1 to find y(t) from the expression for Y(s).

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 Laplace Transforms of Common Functions
Constant Function

Let f(t) = a (a constant). Then from the definition of the Laplace transform

Step Function

The unit step function is widely used in the analysis of process control problems. It is
defined as:

Because the step function is a special case of a “constant”, it follows from

Graph

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Exponential Functions

Consider f(t) = 𝑒 −𝑏𝑡 where b ˃ 0. Then

Impulse Function (or Dirac Delta Function)

The impulse function is obtained by taking the limit of the rectangular pulse as its width,
tw, goes to zero but holding the area under the pulse constant at one.

Graph

Ramp function
for the schematic of a ramp function f(t)=at for t>0 where a is a constant

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Graph

Sinusoidal function

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Graph

Application of Laplace Transform in Process Control

1. To obtain the particular solution without first determining the general solution.
2. To solve non-homogenous equations without obtaining the complimentary integral.
3. To obtain the solutions of problems involving periodic functions other than cos and
sine.
Refrences

www.informit.com › Articles
nptel.ac.in/courses/103103037/5
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1101.4347
www.chemengr.ucsb.edu/~ceweb/faculty/seborg/teaching/SEM_2.../Chapter_3.pdf