Hybrid approximations for fractional calculus

Abstract

In this paper, a numerical method for solving the fractional differential equations is presented. The method is based upon hybrid functions approximation. The properties of hybrid functions consisting of block-pulse functions and Taylor polynomials are presented. The Riemann-Liouville fractional integral operator for hybrid functions is given. This operator is then utilized to reduce the solution of the initial value problems for fractional differential equations to a system of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique.