A mathematical operation that transforms a function of time f(t), into a function of a complex variable, denoted as F(s). Mathematically, the Laplace Transform of a function f(t) is defined as:
F(s)=L{f(t)}=∫0∞e−stf(t)dt
Here:
- t represents time
- s=σ+jω, where σ,ω∈R
- e−st is the exponential decay factor that weights the function f(t).
Can only be applied to casual functions. Converts a differential equation (time domain) into a linear complex algebraic equation (frequency domain). After Laplace transformation is applied, the resulting functions are capitalized by convention.
Casual function
A function of time f(t) satisfying:
f(t)=0fort<0
If L{f(t)}=F(s), then the inverse Laplace Transform is given by:
f(t)=L−1{F(s)}=2πj1∫σ−j∞σ+j∞estF(s)ds
Special functions
Unit step function
u(t)={0,1,t<0t>0
Laplace transform of the unit step function is:
L{u(t)}=s1
Unit impulse function
δ(t)={0,∞,t=0t=0
Laplace transform of the unit impulse function is:
L{δ(t)}=1
Area under the curve is 1.
∫−∞∞δ(t)dt=1
And it has a special property:
∫−∞∞f(t−k)δ(t)dt=f(k)
Unit ramp function
r(t)={0,t,t<0t>0
Laplace transform of the unit ramp function is:
L{r(t)}=s21
Both AC and DC voltage sources are transformed according to the Laplace transform table. Resistors are included as is.
An inductor L is converted to Ls. To cater for initial current, a voltage source Li(0+) is added aiding the voltage.
A capacitor C is converted to Cs1. To cater for initial voltage, a voltage source sv(0+) is added opposing the voltage.
Properties
Suppose f(t) has a Laplace transform F(s) for the below definitions.
Linearity
a and b are constants.
L{af(t)+bg(t)}=aL{f(t)}+bL{g(t)}
Differentiation
L{f′(t)}=sF(s)−f(0+)
L{f′′(t)}=s2F(s)−sf(0+)−f′(0+)
L{f(n)(t)}=snF(s)−k=1∑n−1skf(0+)−k=1∑n−1f(k)(0+)
Integration
L{∫0tf(t)dt}=sF(s)
Time Scaling
L{f(at)}=aF(as)
Frequency Scaling
L−1{F(as)}=af(at)
Multiplication by t
L{tnf(t)}=(−1)ndsndnF(s)
Time shift
L{f(t−T)}=e−sTF(s)
Frequency shift
L−1{F(s+a)}=e−atf(t)
Theorems
Initial Value Theorem
f(0+)=t→0+limf(t)=s→∞limsF(s)
Final Value Theorem
f(∞)=t→∞limf(t)=s→0limsF(s)
Function Name | Function | Laplace Transform |
---|
Unit Impulse | δ(t) | 1 |
Unit Step | u(t) | s1 |
Polynomial | tn | sn+1n! |
Exponential | e−at | (s+a)1 |
Sine Wave | sinωt | (s2+ω2)ω |
Cosine Wave | cosωt | (s2+ω2)s |
Damped Sine Wave | e−atsinωt | (s+a)2+ω2ω |
Damped Cosine Wave | e−atcosωt | (s+a)2+ω2(s+a) |
Sinh Wave | sinhat | (s2−a2)a |
Cosh Wave | coshat | (s2−a2)s |
Damped Sinh Wave | e−btsinhat | (s+b)2−a2a |
Damped Cosh Wave | e−btcoshat | (s+b)2−a2s+b |
When a=b | b−ae−at−e−bt | (s+a)(s+b)1 |
When a=b | a−ba.e−at−b.e−bt | (s+a)(s+b)s |