We generalize the fractional variational problem by allowing the possibility that the lower bound in the fractional derivative does not coincide with the lower bound of the integral that is minimized. Also, for the standard case when these two bounds coincide, we derive a new form of Euler-Lagrange equations. We use approximations for fractional derivatives in the Lagrangian and obtain the Euler-Lagrange equations which approximate the initial Euler-Lagrange equations in a weak sense. (2000)
Mathematics Subject Classification
A variational principle for Lagrangian densities containing derivatives of real order is formulated and the invariance of this principle is studied in two characteristic cases. Necessary and sufficient conditions for an infinitesimal transformation group (basic Nöther's identity) are obtained. These conditions extend the classical results, valid for integer order derivatives. A generalization of Nöther's theorem leading to conservation laws for fractional Euler-Lagrangian equation is obtained as well. Results are illustrated by several concrete examples. Finally, an approximation of a fractional Euler-Lagrangian equation by a system of integer order equations is used for the formulation of an approximated invariance condition and corresponding conservation laws. (2000): Primary: 49K05; secondary: 26A33 PACS numbers: 02.30 Xx, 45.10 Hj
Mathematics Subject Classification
We analyze self-similar solutions to a nonlinear fractional diffusion equation and fractional Burgers/Korteweg-deVries equation in one spatial variable. By using Lie-group scaling transformation, we determined the similarity solutions. After the introduction of the similarity variables, both problems are reduced to ordinary nonlinear fractional differential equations. In two special cases exact solutions to the ordinary fractional differential equation, which is derived from the diffusion equation, are presented. In several other cases the ordinary fractional differential equations are solved numerically, for several values of governing parameters. In formulating the numerical procedure, we use special representation of a fractional derivative that is recently obtained.
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