Workout Problem 4

Fourier Series

1. Define what Fourier series is and its significance.

a. A Fourier series is a representation of a function as a series of constant multiples of sine

and/or cosine functions of different frequencies

( ) ∑( )

Where the coefficients are determined by the function ( ).

b. When analyzing situations as diverse as electrical oscillation, vibrating mechanical systems,

longitudinal oscillation in crystals, and many other physical phenomena, Fourier series are found
to arise naturally. Furthermore, the individual terms in a Fourier series often have an important
physical interpretation. In a vibrating mechanical system, for example, each component of a
Fourier series representation of the overall vibration represents a fundamental mode of
vibration. A full Fourier series shows how each mode contributes to the solution, and wh ich the
most significant modes are. This information can be often be used to advantage, either by
showing how the modes can be utilize to achieve a desire effect, or by using the information to
enable systems to be constructed that minimize undesirable vibrations. It is for these and other
reasons that it is necessary for engineers and physicists to study the properties of Fourier series

2. Show the different ways of expressing Fourier series of functions.

a. From Period to Any Period

( ) ∑. /

b. Odd and Even Functions

( ) ∑ ( )

( ) ∑ ( )
3. Enumerate the steps in solving for the Fourier series of functions

a. From Period to Any Period

I. Find the values of the coefficients , , and using the formulas

∫ ( )

∫ ( )

∫ ( )

II. Substitute the coefficients to the series and then simplify

4. Determine the Fourier series representation of the following. Show step by step procedure with
explanation. Additional examples will be given extra credit

( ) {

Solution:

From the relation :

Determining the coefficients:

∫ ( )

∫ ( )

∫
 [ ]

∫ ( )

[ ]

( )

( )

If is odd ( ):

( )

If is even ( ):

( )

From the equation, the Fourier for the function is gi ven by:

( ) ∑( )

( ) ∑( )
 ( )

Additional examples:

1. Obtain a Fourier series for the periodic function ( ) defined as:

( ) {

Solution:

A. Determining the coefficients

∫ ( ) ( )

*∫ ∫ +

*, - , - +

∫ ( ) ( )

*∫ ∫ +

,[ ] [ ] -

Hence are all zero (since ( ) ( ) ), and

therefore no cosine terms will appear in the Fourier series.

∫ ( ) ( )

*∫ ∫ +

,[ ] [ ] -
 {[ ] [ ]}

When n is odd ( ):

{[ ( )] [ ( ) ( )]} { }

Hence , , , and so on

When n is even ( ):

{[ ] [ ( )]}

From the equation, the Fourier series for the function is given by:

( ) ∑( )

( ) ∑( )

( )

( ) ( )

2. Determine the Fourier series to represent the function ( ) in the range – to

Solution:

A. Determining the coefficients

∫ ( ) ( )

∫
 * +

∫ ( ) ( )

∫ ( )

[ ]

( )
*. / ( )+

∫ ( ) ( )

∫ ( )

[ ]

( ) ( ) ( )
*( ) ( )+

( )
* +

When is odd, . Thus , , , and so on. When is even,

. Thus , , , and so on

Thus ( )

( )