ECE5117MLA1: Laplace & Inverse Laplace Transforms Computer Simulation
Introduction
Laplace Transform was discovered by Pierre-Simon Laplace, which takes a real
variable, t, to a function with complex variable, s. The Laplace Transform is used
frequently in engineering and physics, by using the Laplace Transform, the solutions
to complex linear-time-invariant systems and control systems become easier. It can
also be used in solving differential equations and widely applied in electronics
engineering.
The Laplace transform of a function f(t), defined for all real numbers t ≥ 0,
is the function F(s), which is defined by:
∞
𝐹 (𝑠) = ∫ 𝑓(𝑡)𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
0
Using the formula above takes time when dealing with complex equations, to
solve these easier, there is a table for common laplace transform and inverse
laplace transforms:
Table 1: Table of common Laplace Transforms
To give ease to solving problems involving Laplace Transforms, various
mathematical simulation software have included Laplace Transform Tools, to site
one, Matlab® a product of MathWorks, Inc. included the SYMBOLIC MATH TOOLBOX.
The symbolic math toolbox helps with solving problems that includes fixed
variables, like that of the real variable, t, and complex variable, s.
After this activity, the students will be able to use the symbolic math toolbox
of the Matlab to perform Laplace Transforms and Inverse Laplace Transforms. The
students will also be able to compare the results of their manual computation and
the simulated results. This activity will introduce the students to a valuable tool
for control systems engineering and use it in future activities.
Laboratory Equipment Needed:
1. Computer with Matlab® software installed.
2. The SYMBOLIC MATH TOOLBOX installed in Matlab®
Knowledge Requirement:
To perform this activity, the students shall have knowledge on the following:
1. Laplace Transform and Inverse Laplace Transform.
2. Basic Matlab codes.
Activity:
The symbolic math toolbox is called within the Matlab commands by using the
code syms. For example, to call the Symbolic Math Toolbox for Laplace Transform,
the following code may be used:
syms s t; % this constructs the symbolic object for the laplace
variable, s, and the real variable, t
To perform the Laplace Transform on a specific function, f, the code to be
used is:
laplace(f) % finds the laplace transform of the declared function,
f.
To perform the Inverse Laplace Transform of a specific function, F, the code
used is:
ilaplace(F) % finds the inverse laplace transform of the declared
function, F.
To print the functions into a standard mathematical form, the code pretty(f)
may be used. Also, the simplify(F) function may be used to combine partial fractions.
For the following example, the students shall type the codes into the Matlab Command
window.
Example:
Using Matlab Symbolic Math Toolbox, determine the Laplace Transform of the following
functions:
1. 𝑓(𝑡) = 2𝑒 −𝑡 − 2𝑡𝑒 −2𝑡 − 2𝑒 −2𝑡
3
2. 𝑓(𝑡) = 4 + 2𝑡 2 − 𝑒 −4𝑡 cos(5𝑡)
2
3. Inverse Laplace Transform of: 𝐹(𝑠) = (𝑠+1)(𝑠+5)2
3𝑠
4. Inverse Laplace Transform of: 𝐹(𝑠) = 𝑠(𝑠2 +2𝑠+5)
For number 1, the codes will be:
syms t
f =2*exp(-t)-2*t*exp(-2*t)-2*exp(-2*t)
F=laplace(f)
pretty(simplify(F))
What is the result? _________________________________
For number 2, the codes will be:
syms t;
g=(3/4)+(2*t^2)-(exp(-4*t)*cos(5*t)
G=laplace(g)
pretty(simplify(G))
What is the result? _________________________________
For number 3:
syms s
X= 2/[(s+1)*(s+2)^2]
x=ilaplace(X)
pretty(x)
What is the result? _________________________________
For number 4:
syms s
T=(3*s)/(s*(s^2+2*s+5))
t=ilaplace(T)
pretty(t)
What is the result? _______________________________
ACTIVITY:
Using the Matlab Symbolic Toolbox;
A. Determine the Laplace Transform of the following functions
a. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 −2𝑡 cos 4𝑡 + 𝑡 2 − 𝑒 −𝑡
b. 𝑓(𝑡) = sin 3𝑡 sin 5𝑡
c. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡
d. 𝑓(𝑡) = (1 − 𝑒 −𝑡 )2
e. 𝑓(𝑡) = cos 2𝑡 sin 3𝑡
f. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 −4𝑡 sin √5𝑡 + 𝑡 3 𝑒 −3𝑡
B. Solve for the Inverse Laplace Transform for each
4
1. 𝐹 (𝑠) =
𝑠2 +16
𝑠−2
2. 𝐹 (𝑠) =
𝑠2 −3𝑠+6
2𝑠−5
3. 𝐹 (𝑠) =
(𝑠+1)(𝑠+3)(𝑠−4)
3𝑠−2
4. 𝐹 (𝑠) =
𝑠2 +𝑠+4
6𝑠2 −13𝑠+2
5. 𝐹 (𝑠) =
𝑠(𝑠−1)(𝑠−5)
Other Instructions:
Submit a laboratory report regarding this activity. Include the screenshots
of the Matlab command window for each item. In the laboratory report, include the
manual computation of the Laplace and Inverse Laplace Transforms for each item as
asked in the instruction.
