Applied Physics of Extended (or Gamma) Sine and Cosine Functions


  •  Luis Teia    

Abstract

Evolution of fundamental mathematical tools (such as trigonometric functions sin(α) and cos(α)) has inherent repercusions
on how we solve problems in applied physics. Recently published extended or gamma sine function sin∗(α, γ)
and cosine function cos∗(α, γ) — along with their upgraded identity angle sum and subtraction rules sin∗(A ± B, γ) and
cos∗(A ± B, γ) — have enabled a new approach on how to tackle practical problems using mathematics (a published example
is the energy-coupled mass-spring oscilatory system). The usefullness of a theory is measured by both the insight
it generates, and the solution it produces, when applied to physical problems with pertinent applications. Its acceptance
amongst peers depends on the availability of such examples, as way-showers of how the theory can be applied in practice,
and how useful results can be derived by employing it in similar or related examples/problems. This article has the
purpose of providing this bridge between the above theories and its application in some common scientific fields. Several
exercises are solved employing these new formulae, and new potential applications are identified that cover various topics
in physics such as civil engineering (i.e., measuring distances in bridges), aerospace and aeronautics (i.e., turbine velocity
triangles and optimum orbital deployment for a satellite constellation) and telecommunications (i.e., antenna array
beamforming and steering, as well as new modulations based on quadrature phase-shift keying). These problems (and
solutions) are designed to indicate the usefullness of these new expanded functions, and can become practical classroom
exercises applicable to both academic and professional environments.



This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
  • ISSN(Print): 1916-9639
  • ISSN(Online): 1916-9647
  • Started: 2009
  • Frequency: semiannual

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