Exact solutions of fractional heat-like and wave-like equations with variable coefficients

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to apply fractional variational iteration method using He's polynomials (FVIMHP) to obtain exact solutions for variable-coefficient fractional heat-like and wave-like equations with fractional order initial and boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on FVIMHP. The authors choose as some examples to illustrate the validity and the advantages of the method.

Findings

The results reveal that the FVIMHP method provides a very effective, convenient and powerful mathematical tool for solving fractional differential equations.

Originality/value

The variable-coefficient fractional heat-like and wave-like equations with fractional order initial and boundary conditions are solved first. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the method.

Citation

Tang, B., Wang, X., Wei, L. and Zhang, X. (2014), "Exact solutions of fractional heat-like and wave-like equations with variable coefficients", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 455-467. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-05-2012-0106