I'd like to develop a better understanding of the physical and mathematical meanings of the Fourier transform. Can anyone suggest a text that describes some of its applications and elaborates on the importance of the transform to science and mathematics? [more inside]
posted by Aanidaani on Sep 13, 2009 - 11 answers

Asking for a friend: With the use of Fourier series, I'm trying to solve an ODE of the form L*y'' + R*y' + y/C = r(x), where r(x) = 1 - x^2 for |x| <= 1, i.e. has a period of 2. To do so I need to represent 1 - x^2 as a Fourier series. In doing so I have to integrate e^(-n * i * pi * x), but I've reached a stumbling block. [more inside]
posted by PuGZ on Sep 13, 2009 - 2 answers

Why are sine waves considered "pure" tones? Why do we consider sinusoids the building blocks of periodic functions? [more inside]
posted by phrontist on Jun 28, 2008 - 35 answers

I need help finding code to draw (not extract) fourier descriptors. [more inside]
posted by dmd on Nov 5, 2006 - 15 answers