Unit 6

6.1 Applications of Transforms and Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) in

Real-Life Scenarios

6.1.1 Transforms (like Fourier, Laplace, and Z-transform) and Partial Differential
Equations (PDEs) are essential tools in science, engineering, finance, and medicine.
Together, they model, analyze, and solve complex dynamic systems across time and space.

Here’s a structured overview with real-world examples:

1. Signal and Image Processing

(a) Fourier Transform (b) Z-Transform (c) Wavelet Transform d) Heat/Diffusion PDE

6.1.2 Real-Life Scenarios:

(a) MRI & CT Scans: Fourier transforms is used to reconstruct images from raw data.

(b) Image Denoising: Solved using diffusion PDEs (like Perona–Malik equation).

(c) Audio Compression (e.g., MP3): Fourier and Z-transforms extract frequency
components.

(d)Video Stabilization: PDE-based motion estimation and correction.

2. Physics & Engineering (Heat, Fluid, and Wave Propagation)

(a) Heat Transfer in Buildings: Solved using the heat equation.

(b) Seismic Wave Modeling: The wave equation models earthquakes.

(c) Aerospace Engineering: Vibration analysis of aircraft wings using PDEs and
transforms.

(d) Electromagnetic Waves: Maxwell's equations solved using Fourier transforms.

3. Traffic Flow and Crowd Dynamics

(a) Convection-Diffusion PDE (b) Fourier Transform

6.1.3 Real-Life Scenarios:

(a) Traffic Congestion Modelling: Described by PDEs like the Light hill–whit ham–
Richards model.

(b) Crowd Movement in stadiums or emergencies: Modelled using reaction-diffusion

equations. .
4. Finance and Economics

(a) Black-Scholes PDE (b) Laplace/Fourier Transform (c) Difference Equations

6.1.4 Real-Life Scenarios:

(a) Option Pricing: Solved using the Black-Scholes equation, a PDE for asset prices.

(b) Interest Rate Models: Modelled using difference equations and solved using

Z-transform.

(c) Risk Modelling: Transform methods simplify stochastic PDEs.

5. Biology and Medicine

(a) Reaction-Diffusion PDEs (b) Fourier & Laplace Transforms

6.1.5 Real-Life Scenarios:

(a) Tumour Growth Modelling: Diffusion-reaction equations.

(b) Neural Signal Transmission: Hodgkin-Huxley model includes PDEs.

(c) Drug Delivery: Diffusion equations model concentration over time.

6. Civil and Structural Engineering

(a) Wave & Beam Equations (b) Laplace Transforms

6.1.6 Real-Life Scenarios:

(a) Bridge and Skyscraper Vibration: Analyzed using wave PDEs.

(b) Stress/Strain Modelling: Solved via transform techniques for faster analysis.

(c) Earthquake Simulation: Uses PDEs to predict structure behaviour.

7. Wireless Communication & Signal Modulation

(a) Z-Transform (b) Fourier Transform (c) Difference Equations

6.1.7 Real-Life Scenarios:

(a) 5G/OFDM Modulation: Subcarrier analysis with Fourier/Z-transforms.

(b) Filter Design: Digital filters implemented using difference equations and Z-domain
analysis.
 (c) Error Correction: Signal convolution modelled using transforms.

8. Control Systems

(a) Laplace Transform (b) Z-Transform (c) Difference Equations

6.1.8 Real-Life Scenarios:

(a) Autonomous Vehicles & Drones: Feedback control systems use PDEs and Laplace
domain analysis.

(b) Industrial Automation: Z-transforms help analyze digital controllers.

(c) Temperature and Speed Control: Described by first-order PDEs and analyzed with
transforms.

6.1.9 Summary Table

Real-World
Field Method Used
Application

Medical Imaging MRI, CT scans Fourier Transform

HVAC, engine
Heat Transfer Heat PDE + Laplace
cooling

Financial Derivatives Option pricing Black-Scholes PDE

Communications OFDM, filters Z-Transform, Fourier

Structural Engineering Vibration analysis Wave PDE, Laplace

Cell diffusion, drug

Biological Modeling Reaction-Diffusion PDE
delivery

Traffic Flow Highway systems Convection-Diffusion PDE

Robotics Motion control Laplace/Z-Transform

6.2 Comparison of the free and forced vibrations in a string using partial differential
equations

To compare free and forced vibrations in a string, we use partial differential equations
(PDEs) to model the motion of a vibrating string. The key difference lies in whether or not
there is external force acting on the string.

6.2.1 Free Vibration of a string:

Free vibrations of a string are those that occur naturally without any external forces,
while forced vibrations occur when an external force acts on the string. Both can be
described using partial differential equations (PDEs), specifically the wave
equation. The key difference lies in the presence of the forcing term in the forced
vibration equation.

6.2.2 Description:

Occur when the string is disturbed and then allowed to oscillate freely under the influence of its own
tension and inertia.
Equation:
The wave equation, which describes the displacement of the string (u (x, t) as a function of
2
∂ ²u 2∂ u
=c
position (x) and time (t), is ∂ t
2
∂ x 2 where 'c' is the wave speed (determined by tension and
mass per unit length).
Solution:
The solution to this equation is typically a superposition of sine and cosine functions with different
wavelengths, representing the various natural modes of vibration.
Characteristics:
The frequency of the vibration is determined by the natural frequencies of the string, which are
related to its length and tension. The amplitude of the vibration decays over time due to energy
losses (e.g., air resistance, damping).

6.2.3 Solution of wave equation in the case of free vibration of a string

Free vibration occurs when no external force acts on the string after it's set into motion.

Which yields eigen functions and eigenvalues:

6.2.4 Key features of free vibration:

(a) Vibrations are natural (determined by system parameters).

(b) Only initial conditions determine the motion.

 (c) Solution is a sum of normal modes.

6.2.5 Forced Vibrations of a string:

Description: Occur when an external force acts on the string, causing it to vibrate.
Equation: The wave equation with a forcing term (f(x, t)) is
2
∂ ²u 2∂ u
=c
∂t2 ∂ x 2 +f(x,t) where represents the external force.

Solution:
The solution is a combination of the homogeneous solution (free vibration) and a particular solution
that depends on the forcing function.
Characteristics:
The forced vibration frequency is determined by the frequency of the forcing function. The amplitude
of the forced vibration can be large or small depending on the relationship between the forcing
frequency and the natural frequencies of the string (resonance)

6.2.6 Key features of forced vibration:

(a) System responds to external force F(x,t)

(b) May lead to resonance if driving frequency matches a natural frequency.

(c) Response consists of transient (free) and steady-state (forced) components.

6.2.7 Comparison:
Feature Free Forced Vibrations
Vibrations

Driving Internal forces External forces

Force (tension, inertia) (plucking, bowing, etc.)

Equation Wave equation Wave equation with a

without forcing forcing term
term

Frequency Determined by Determined by forcing

natural function frequency
frequencies

Amplitude Decays over Can be sustained or

time transient depending on
forcing function and
system damping

Dominant Natural modes Force-driven modes of

Response of vibration vibration, potentially
 with resonance.

6.3 Analysis of the digital suspension and mechanical feedback control system using Z-
transforms and difference equations

Analyzing digital suspension and mechanical feedback control systems with Z-transforms and
difference equations involves converting time-domain difference equations into the frequency domain
(z-domain) for easier analysis. This approach simplifies the solution of discrete-time control problems
by reducing them to algebraic equations.

6.3.1 Elaboration:
1. Difference Equations:
These equations describe the relationship between input and output signals at discrete time points in
a digital control system. They are essential for modeling the behavior of a digital suspension system,
where inputs like acceleration and output like suspension movement are measured and processed at
intervals.
2. Z-Transform:
The z-transform is a mathematical tool that transforms a discrete-time signal (time-domain) into its
corresponding complex-frequency domain representation (z-domain). It is used to analyze digital
control systems by converting difference equations into algebraic equations.
3. Analysis in the Z-Domain:
Once the difference equations are transformed to the z-domain, various analytical techniques can be
applied. For instance, stability analysis can be performed by examining the placement of poles of the
z-transform. If the poles lie within the unit circle, the system is considered stable.
4. Transfer Function:
The z-transform allows the derivation of the system's transfer function, which represents the
relationship between the input and output in the z-domain. This transfer function can be used to
design and analyze the digital controller for the suspension system.
5. Inverse Z-Transform:
The solution in the z-domain can be converted back to the time-domain using the inverse z-transform
to obtain the system response. This process helps in understanding the behavior of the suspension
system at discrete time points.
In essence, the Z-transform and difference equations facilitate the analysis and design of digital
suspension systems, enabling engineers to design and implement robust and efficient control
algorithms.

6.4Calculation of the temperature, regulation of speed and precision

matching using difference equations
Difference equations can be used to model and solve problems involving temperature, speed
regulation, and precision matching. For temperature calculation, difference equations are used to
simulate heat transfer and predict temperature changes over time. In speed regulation, they can
model motor control systems and ensure the desired speed is maintained. For precision matching,
they can be used to align and synchronize different components.

6.4.1 Temperature Calculation:

(a) Finite Difference Methods:
These methods discretize the governing heat equation (like the heat equation) and approximate
derivatives using differences between values at different points in space and time.
Example: A 1 dimensional heat equation can be approximated using a finite difference
scheme: Uj,n+1 - Uj,n / Δt = (Uj+1,n - 2Uj,n + Uj-1,n) / (Δx)^2. This equation
relates the temperature at a specific location and time (Uj, n+1) to its previous value and the
temperatures of its neighboring points at the current time.
Solving for Temperature:
By iteratively applying this equation and solving the resulting system of equations, the temperature at
different points can be calculated at each time step.
Speed Regulation:
6.4.2 Motor Control Systems:
Difference equations can model the dynamics of a motor and control system, allowing for the
regulation of its speed.
(a) PID Control:
A common approach in motor control is using a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID)
controller. Difference equations can be used to implement the PID algorithm and adjust the motor's
control signal based on the error between the desired and actual speed.
Example:
The PID control equation can be expressed as a difference equation: u(k) = Kp * e(k) + Ki *
Σe(i) + Kd * (e(k) - e(k-1)), where u(k) is the control signal, e(k) is the error, and Kp, Ki,
Kd are the proportional, integral, and derivative gains, respectively.
Precision Matching:
Synchronization:
Difference equations can be used to model the synchronization of different components, ensuring
they operate in harmony.
Example:
In a system with multiple sensors, difference equations can be used to calculate the time delay
between sensor readings and ensure they are aligned for accurate data analysis.
(b) Adaptive Control:
By using difference equations to model the behavior of components, adaptive control algorithms can
be implemented to fine-tune the system and achieve high levels of precision.
In summary, difference equations provide a powerful tool for modeling and solving problems related to
temperature, speed regulation, and precision matching. They enable accurate simulations and control
of systems by discretizing continuous equations and solving them iteratively.

6.5 Determining the heat flow in parallel pipes using one dimensional heat
equation
6.5.1 To determine heat flow in parallel pipes using the one-dimensional heat equation, you can utilize
the principle of conservation of energy and the concept of thermal resistance. The heat flow is
calculated by dividing the temperature difference between the pipes by the total thermal resistance of
the system, which is the sum of individual pipe resistances.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Identify the relevant parameters:
2. Temperature difference (ΔT): The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the pipe
system.
3. Thermal conductivity (k): The material's ability to conduct heat, typically expressed in W/m·K.
4. Length of the pipe (L): The distance over which heat is transferred.
5. Cross-sectional area of the pipe (A): The area through which heat flows.
6. Area for heat transfer (A_s): The surface area through which heat is exchanged with the
surroundings, if applicable.
7. Convective heat transfer coefficient (h): The rate at which heat is transferred between the fluid
and the pipe wall, if applicable.
6.5.2 Calculate the thermal resistance (R) of each pipe:
1. Conduction resistance (R_cond): For a pipe, this is given by R_cond = L / (k * A).
2. Convection resistance (R_conv): If there's convective heat transfer, this is calculated as
 R_conv = 1 / (h * A_s).
3. Total thermal resistance (R_total): In parallel pipes, the total resistance is the sum of individual
resistances: R_total = Σ R_cond + Σ R_conv.

6.5.3 Apply Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction:

1. The rate of heat flow (Q) is given by Q = ΔT / R_total.

6.5.4 Important Considerations:

(a) Steady-state conditions:
This method assumes that the heat flow is steady-state, meaning the temperature at any point in the
pipe does not change with time.
(b) One-dimensional heat flow:
This approach assumes that heat flows primarily in one direction (along the length of the pipe) and
not significantly in other directions.
(c) Neglecting radial temperature variation:
The model simplifies the heat transfer by assuming that the temperature within the pipe's cross-
section is uniform, neglecting any radial temperature variations.
(d) Assumptions about the fluid:
The model may make assumptions about the fluid's properties and flow regime (laminar or
turbulent).
(e) Boundary conditions:
The temperature at the pipe's inlet and outlet, and the surrounding conditions (convective heat
transfer) need to be specified.
(f) Heat generation:
If there are any heat sources within the pipe (e.g., electrical heating), these need to be accounted for
in the analysis.

By carefully considering these factors and using the appropriate equations, you can accurately model
the heat flow in parallel pipes using the one-dimensional heat equation.

6.6 Calculation of periodic vibrations in structural beam using Fourier series

6.6.1 To analyze periodic vibrations in structural beams using Fourier series, you can decompose the
periodic displacement (or other relevant structural response) into a sum of sine and cosine functions
at different frequencies. This process reveals the fundamental frequencies and their respective
amplitudes, providing insights into the vibration characteristics of the beam.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

6.6.2 Understanding Fourier Series:

(a) A Fourier series represents a periodic function as a sum of sine and cosine terms with varying
frequencies and amplitudes.
(b) Each term in the series corresponds to a specific frequency component of the vibration.
(c) The coefficients of the sine and cosine terms determine the amplitude of each frequency
component.
6.6.3 Applying Fourier Series to Structural Beams:
(a) Displacement:
If the beam's displacement is periodic, it can be expressed as a Fourier series.
(b) Vibration Analysis:
By analyzing the Fourier coefficients, you can identify the dominant frequencies and their amplitudes,
providing insights into the beam's vibration modes and characteristics.
(c) Auxiliary Functions:
In some cases, auxiliary polynomial functions are used to address discontinuities in the displacement
or its derivatives at the beam's boundaries, ensuring a more accurate Fourier series representation.

6.6.4 Steps in the Process:

(a) Identify the periodic function:
Determine the function representing the displacement (or other relevant quantity) of the beam that is
periodic over time.
(b) Calculate Fourier coefficients:
Use the appropriate Fourier series formulas to determine the coefficients for the sine and cosine
terms in the decomposition.
(c) Analyze the coefficients:
Examine the coefficients to identify the dominant frequencies and their amplitudes, which reveal the
key vibration modes.
6.6.5 Interpret the results:

Use the identified frequencies and amplitudes to understand the beam's vibration characteristics,
including natural frequencies, damping, and overall behavior.
(a) Vibration Modes:
Fourier analysis can help identify the natural frequencies and modes of vibration of a beam, which
are crucial for structural design.
(b) Dynamic Response:
It can be used to analyze the dynamic response of a beam subjected to periodic loads, revealing
how the beam vibrates under external forces.
(c) Design Optimization:
The analysis helps optimize structural designs for vibrations, ensuring stability and preventing
unwanted resonance.
6.6.6 Key Considerations:
(a) Boundary Conditions:
The specific boundary conditions of the beam (fixed, supported, etc.) influence the Fourier series
expansion and the accuracy of the analysis.
(b) Auxiliary Functions:
Auxiliary functions can improve the accuracy and convergence of the Fourier series, especially for
beams with complex boundary conditions.
(c) Numerical Methods:
For complex beams or loads, numerical methods like finite element analysis may be used in
conjunction with Fourier analysis.

6.7 Calculation of diffusion in chemicals and study of unstable crystal growth using
Fourier transforms

1. Diffusion of chemicals (modelled by the diffusion equation)

2. Unstable crystal growth (pattern formation governed by related PDEs)

6.7.1 Calculation of Diffusion in Chemicals Using Fourier Transforms

Governing Equation: One dimensional Diffusion Equation

Initial Condition

Suppose initial concentration C(x,0)=f(x) is known.

Use Fourier Transform

Solving

Inverse Fourier Transform

To get back to x-domain:

Interpretation:

(a) The solution is a convolution of initial condition with a Gaussian kernel.

(b) The Gaussian spread widens over time, modelling diffusion.

6.7.2 Study of Unstable Crystal Growth Using Fourier Transforms

Model: The Mullins-Sekerka or Kuramoto-Sivashinsky type equations

Crystal growth instability often modeled by PDEs like:

6.7.3 Linear Stability Analysis with Fourier Transform

Ignoring nonlinear terms for stability: