Initialization of Fractional-Order Operators and Fractional Differential Equations

Abstract

It has been known that the initialization of fractional operators requires time-varying functions, a complicating factor. This paper simplifies the process of initialization of fractional differential equations by deriving Laplace transforms for the initialized fractional integral and derivative that generalize those for the integer-order operators. The new transforms unify the initialization of systems of fractional and ordinary differential equations. The paper provides background on past work in the area and determines the Laplace transforms for the initialized fractional integral and fractional derivatives of any (real) order. An application provides insight and demonstrates the theory.