Numerical Approximations of Fractional Derivatives with Applications

Two approximations, derived from continuous expansions of Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives into series involving integer order derivatives, are studied. Using those series, one can formally transform any problem that contains fractional derivatives into a classical problem in which only derivatives of integer order are present. Corresponding approximations provide useful numerical tools to compute fractional derivatives of functions. Application of such approximations to fractional differential equations and fractional problems of the calculus of variations are discussed. Illustrative examples show the advantages and disadvantages of each approximation.