A simple finite element method for boundary value problems with a Riemann-Liouville derivative

We consider a boundary value problem involving a Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative of order α∈(3/2,2) on the unit interval (0,1). The standard Galerkin finite element approximation converges slowly due to the presence of singularity term xα-1 in the solution representation. In this work, we develop a simple technique, by transforming it into a second-order two-point boundary value problem with nonlocal low order terms, whose solution can reconstruct directly the solution to the original problem. The stability of the variational formulation, and the optimal regularity pickup of the solution are analyzed. A novel Galerkin finite element method with piecewise linear or quadratic finite elements is developed, and L2(D) error estimates are provided. The approach is then applied to the corresponding fractional Sturm-Liouville problem, and error estimates of the eigenvalue approximations are given. Extensive numerical results fully confirm our theoretical study

Quintic spline collocation method for fractional boundary value problems

AbstractThe spline collocation method is a competent and highly effective mathematical tool for constructing the approximate solutions of boundary value problems arising in science, engineering and mathematical physics. In this paper, a quintic polynomial spline collocation method is employed for a class of fractional boundary value problems (FBVPs). The FBVPs are expressed in terms of Caputo’s fractional derivative in this approach. The consistency relations are derived in order to compute the approximate solutions of FBVPs. Finally, numerical results are given, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the numerical scheme

A Petrov-Galerkin Finite Element Method for Fractional Convection-Diffusion Equations

In this work, we develop variational formulations of Petrov-Galerkin type for one-dimensional fractional boundary value problems involving either a Riemann-Liouville or Caputo derivative of order $\alpha\in(3/2, 2)$ in the leading term and both convection and potential terms. They arise in the mathematical modeling of asymmetric super-diffusion processes in heterogeneous media. The well-posedness of the formulations and sharp regularity pickup of the variational solutions are established. A novel finite element method is developed, which employs continuous piecewise linear finite elements and "shifted" fractional powers for the trial and test space, respectively. The new approach has a number of distinct features: It allows deriving optimal error estimates in both $L^2(D)$ and $H^1(D)$ norms; and on a uniform mesh, the stiffness matrix of the leading term is diagonal and the resulting linear system is well conditioned. Further, in the Riemann-Liouville case, an enriched FEM is proposed to improve the convergence. Extensive numerical results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis and robustness of the numerical scheme.Comment: 23 p

A Petrov--Galerkin Finite Element Method for Fractional Convection-Diffusion Equations

In this work, we develop variational formulations of Petrov--Galerkin type for one-dimensional fractional boundary value problems involving either a Riemann--Liouville or Caputo derivative of order $\alpha\in(3/2, 2)$ in the leading term and both convection and potential terms. They arise in the mathematical modeling of asymmetric superdiffusion processes in heterogeneous media. The well-posedness of the formulations and sharp regularity pickup of the variational solutions are established. A novel finite element method (FEM) is developed, which employs continuous piecewise linear finite elements and “shifted” fractional powers for the trial and test space, respectively. The new approach has a number of distinct features: it allows the derivation of optimal error estimates in both the $L^2(D)$ and $H^1(D)$ norms; and on a uniform mesh, the stiffness matrix of the leading term is diagonal and the resulting linear system is well conditioned. Further, in the Riemann--Liouville case, an enriched FEM is proposed to improve the convergence. Extensive numerical results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis and robustness of the numerical scheme