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When we do a Fourier transformation of a function we get the primary term which is the fundamental frequency and amplitude of the Fourier series. All the other terms, with higher frequencies and lower amplitudes, are the harmonics.
The fourier series of a sine wave is 100% fundamental, 0% any harmonics.
Harmonic Series
You can graph both with Energy on the y-axis and frequency on the x. Such a frequency domain graph of a fourier series will be discrete with a finite number of values corresponding to the coefficients a0, a1, a2, ...., b1, b2,... Also, the fourier series will have a limited domain corresponding to the longest period of your original function. A fourier transforms turns a sum into an integral and as such is a continuous function (with uncountably many values) over the entire domain (-inf,inf). Because the frequency domain is unrestricted, fourier transforms can be used to model nonperiodic functions as well while fourier series only work on periodic ones. Series: discrete, limited domain Transform: continuous, infinite domain.
the fundamental
The Fourier series can be used to represent any periodic signal using a summation of sines and cosines of different frequencies and amplitudes. Since sines and cosines are periodic, they must form another periodic signal. Thus, the Fourier series is period in nature. The Fourier series is expanded then, to the complex plane, and can be applied to non-periodic signals. This gave rise to the Fourier transform, which represents a signal in the frequency-domain. See links.
Fourier time series analysis helps in decomposing a complex signal into its constituent frequencies, allowing for better understanding of the signal's frequency content. This analysis is fundamental in areas like signal filtering, spectral analysis, and noise reduction in signal processing. It also aids in identifying and isolating specific frequency components within a signal.
Fourier series and the Fourier transform
Scroll down to related links and look at "Calculations of Harmonics from Fundamental Frequency".
Fourier series analysis is useful in signal processing as, by conversion from one domain to the other, you can apply filters to a signal using software, instead of hardware. As an example, you can build a low pass filter by converting to frequency domain, chopping off the high frequency components, and then back converting to time domain. The sky is the limit in terms of what you can do with fourier series analysis.
The fundamental frequency of a wave is the lowest frequency (longest wavelength) that can be used to define its period. The easiest way to understand it is via a musical analogy: The fundamental frequency is the root tone of the overtone or harmonic series.
what are the limitations of forier series over fourier transform