Double integral-balance method to the fractional subdiffusion equation: Approximate solutions, optimization problems to be resolved and numerical simulations

Abstract

An approximate integral-balance solution of the fractional subdiffusion equation by a double-integration technique has been conceived. The time-fractional linear subdiffusion equation with Dirichlet boundary condition (and zero initial condition) has been chosen as a test example. Approximations of time-fractional Riemann-Liouville and Caputo derivatives when the distribution is assumed as a parabolic profile with unspecified exponent have been developed. Problems pertinent to determination of the optimal exponent of the parabolic profile and approximations of the time-fractional derivative of by different approaches have been formulated. Solved and unresolved problems in determination of the optimal exponents have been demonstrated. Examples with predetermined quadratic and cubic assumed profiles are analyzed, too. Comparative numerical studies with exact solutions expressed by the Mainardi function in terms of a similarity variable have been performed.