arXiv subjects

Francesco Mainardi

Publications and source records attributed to Francesco Mainardi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Application of the Efros theorem to the function represented by the inverse Laplace transform of $s^{-μ}\,\exp(-s^ν)$

Using a special case of the Efros theorem which was derived by Wlodarski, and operational calculus, it was possible to derive many infinite integrals, finite integrals and integral identities for the function represented by the inverse Laplace transform. The integral identities are mainly in terms of convolution integrals with the Mittag-Leffler and Volterra functions. The integrands of determined integrals include elementary functions (power, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and hyperbolic functions) and the error functions, the Mittag-Leffler functions and the Volterra functions. Some properties of the inverse Laplace transform of $s^{-μ} \exp(-s^ν)$ with $μ\ge0$ and $0<ν<1$ are presented

math.CA↗

arXiv2020

Why the Mittag-Leffler function can be considered the Queen function of the Fractional Calculus?

In this survey we stress the importance of the higher transcendental Mittag-Leffler function in the framework of the Fractional Calculus. We first start with the analytical properties of the classical Mittag-Leffler function as derived from being the solution of the simplest fractional differential equation governing relaxation processes. Through the Sections of the text we plan to address the reader in this pathway towards the main applications of the Mittag-Leffler function that has induced us in the past to define it as the Queen Function of the Fractional Calculus. These applications concern some noteworthy stochastic processes and the time fractional diffusion-wave equation. We expect that in the next future this function will gain more credit in the science of complex systems. In Appendix A we sketch some historical aspects related to the author's acquaintance with this function. Finally, with respect to the published version in Entropy, we add Appendix B where we briefly refer to the numerical methods nowadays available to compute the functions of the Mittag-Leffler type.

math.CA↗

arXiv2020

The Wright functions of the second kind in Mathematical Physics

In this review paper we stress the importance of the higher transcendental Wright functions of the second kind in the framework of Mathematical Physics.We first start with the analytical properties of the classical Wright functions of which we distinguish two kinds. We then justify the relevance of the Wright functions of the second kind as fundamental solutions of the time-fractional diffusion-wave equations. Indeed, we think that this approach is the most accessible point of view for describing non-Gaussian stochastic processes and the transition from sub-diffusion processes to wave propagation. Through the sections of the text and suitable appendices we plan to address the reader in this pathway towards the applications of the Wright functions of the second kind. Keywords: Fractional Calculus, Wright Functions, Green's Functions, Diffusion-Wave Equation,

math.GM↗

arXiv2020

A Tutorial on the Basic Special Functions of Fractional Calculus

In this tutorial survey we recall the basic properties of the special function of the Mittag-Leffler and Wright type that are known to be relevant in processes dealt with the fractional calculus. We outline the major applications of these functions. For the Mittag-Leffler functions we analyze the Abel integral equation of the second kind and the fractional relaxation and oscillation phenomena. For the Wright functions we distinguish them in two kinds. We mainly stress the relevance of the Wright functions of the second kind in probability theory with particular regard to the so-called M-Wright function that generalizes the Gaussian and is related with the time-fractional diffusion equation.

math.GM↗

arXiv2020

On a generalized three-parameter Wright function of the Le Roy type

Recently S. Gerhold and R. Garra-F. Polito independently introduced a new function related to the special functions of Mittag-Leffler family. This function is a generalization of the function studied by E. Le Roy in the period 1895-1905 in connection with the problem of analytic continuation of power series with a finite radius of convergence. In our note we obtain two integral representations of this special function, calculate its Laplace transform, determine an asymptotic expansion of this function on the negative semi-axis (in the case of an integer third parameter $γ$) and provide its continuation to the case of a negative first parameter $α$. An asymptotic result is illustrated by numerical calculations. Discussion on possible further studies and open questions are also presented.

math.CA↗

arXiv2020

The Pioneers of the Mittag-Leffler Functions in Dielectrical and Mechanical Relaxation Processes

We start with a short survey of the basic properties of the Mittag-Leffler functions. Then we focus on the key role of these functions to explain the after-effects and relaxation phenomena occurring in dielectrics and in viscoelastic bodies. For this purpose we recall the main aspects that were formerly discussed by two pioneers in the years 1930's-1940's whom we have identified with Harold T. Davis and Bernhard Gross.

math.GM↗

arXiv2020

On modifications of the exponential integral with the Mittag-Leffler function

In this paper we survey the properties of the Schelkunoff modification of the Exponential integral and we generalize it with the Mittag-Leffler function. So doing we get a new special function (as far as we know) that may be relevant in linear viscoelasticity because of its complete monotonicity properties in the time domain. We also consider the generalized sine and cosine integral functions

math.CV↗

arXiv2020

A practical guide to Prabhakar fractional calculus

The Mittag-Leffler function is universally acclaimed as the Queen function of fractional calculus. The aim of this work is to survey the key results and applications emerging from the three-parameter generalization of this function, known as the Prabhakar function. Specifically, after reviewing key historical events that led to the discovery and modern development of this peculiar function, we discuss how the latter allows one to introduce an enhanced scheme for fractional calculus. Then, we summarize the progress in the application of this new general framework to physics and renewal processes. We also provide a collection of results on the numerical evaluation of the Prabhakar function.

math.CA↗

arXiv2019

On the Evolution of Fractional Diffusive Waves

In physics, phenomena of diffusion and wave propagation have great relevance; these physical processes are governed in the simplest cases by partial differential equations of order 1 and 2 in time, respectively. By replacing the time derivatives in the above standard equations with pseudo-differential operators interpreted as derivatives of non integer order (nowadays misnamed as of fractional order) we are lead to generalized processes of diffusion that may be interpreted as slow diffusion and interpolating between diffusion and wave propagation. In mathematical physics we may refer these interpolating processes to as fractional diffusion-wave phenomena. In this work we analyze and simulate both the situations in which the input function is a Dirac delta generalized function and a box function, restricting ourselves to the Cauchy problem. In the firsrst case we get the fundamental solutions (or Green functions) of the problem whereas in the latter case the solutions are obtained by a space convolution of the Green function with the input function. In order to clarify the matter for the non-specialist readers, we briefly recall the basic and essential notions of the fractional calculus (the mathematical theory that regards the integration and differentiation of noninteger order) with a look at the history of this discipline.

math.GM↗

arXiv2018

On Scott-Blair model with time-varying viscosity in linear viscoelasticity

In a recent paper, Zhou et al. studied the time-dependent properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRP) composites by using a new rheological model with a time-variable viscosity coefficient. This rheology is essentially based on a generalized Scott-Blair model with time-varying viscosity coefficient involving Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives. Motivated by this study, in this note we suggest a different generalization of the Scott-Blair model based on the application of Caputo fractional derivatives of a function with respect to another function. This new mathematical approach can be useful in viscoelasticity and diffusion processes in order to consider time-dependent coefficients. We are able to find the exact analytic solution of the creep experiment based on our new approach and we can compare it with the results obtained by Zhou et al.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2018

The Mittag-Leffler function in the thinning theory for renewal processes

The main purpose of this note is to point out the relevance of the Mittag-Leffler probability distribution in the so-called thinning theory for a renewal process with a queue of power law type. This theory, formerly considered by Gnedenko and Kovalenko in 1968 without the explicit reference to the Mittag-Leffler function, was used by the authors in the theory of continuous random walk and consequently of fractional diffusion in a plenary lecture by the late Prof Gorenflo at a Seminar on Anomalous Transport held in Bad-Honnef in July 2006, published in a 2008 book. After recalling the basic theory of renewal processes including the standard and the fractional Poisson processes, here we have revised the original approach by Gnedenko and Kovalenko for convenience of the experts of stochastic processes who are not aware of the relevance of the Mittag-Leffler function

math.PR↗

arXiv2018

Emergence of Fractional Kinetics in Spiny Dendrites

Fractional extensions of the cable equation have been proposed in the literature to describe transmembrane potential in spiny dendrites. The anomalous behavior has been related in the literature to the geometrical properties of the system, in particular, the density of spines, by experiments, computer simulations, and in comb-like models.~The same PDE can be related to more than one stochastic process leading to anomalous diffusion behavior. The time-fractional diffusion equation can be associated to a continuous time random walk (CTRW) with power-law waiting time probability or to a special case of the Erdély-Kober fractional diffusion, described by the ggBm. In this work, we show that time fractional generalization of the cable equation arises naturally in the CTRW by considering a superposition of Markovian processes and in a {\it ggBm-like} construction of the random variable.

q-bio.NC↗

arXiv2018

Scott-Blair models with time-varying viscosity

In a recent paper, Zhou et al. [Mech Time-Depend Mater (2017) 21: 151] studied the time-dependent properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers composites by employing a new rheological model with a time-dependent viscosity coefficient. This rheological model is essentially based on a generalized Scott-Blair body with a time-dependent viscosity coefficient. Motivated by this study, in this note we suggest a different generalization of the Scott-Blair model based on the application of Caputo-type fractional derivatives of a function with respect to another function. This new mathematical approach can be useful in viscoelasticity and diffusion processes in order to model systems with time-dependent features. In this paper we also provide the general solution of the creep experiment for our improved Scott-Blair model together with some explicit examples and illuminating plots.

math-ph↗

arXiv2018

A generalization of the Becker model in linear viscoelasticity: Creep, relaxation and internal friction

We present a new rheological model depending on a real parameter $ν\in [0,1]$ that reduces to the Maxwell body for $ν=0$ and to the Becker body for $ν=1$. The corresponding creep law is expressed in an integral form in which the exponential function of the Becker model is replaced and generalized by a Mittag-Leffler function of order $ν$. Then, the corresponding non-dimensional creep function and its rate are studied as functions of time for different values of $ν$ in order to visualize the transition from the classical Maxwell body to the Becker body. Based on the hereditary theory of linear viscoelasticity, we also approximate the relaxation function by solving numerically a Volterra integral equation of the second kind. In turn, the relaxation function is shown versus time for different values of $ν$ to visualize again the transition from the classical Maxwell body to the Becker body. Furthermore, we provide a full characterization of the new model by computing, in addition to the creep and relaxation functions, the so-called specific dissipation $Q^{-1}$ as a function of frequency, which is of particularly relevance for geophysical applications

physics.geo-ph↗

arXiv2018

A note on the equivalence of fractional relaxation equations to differential equations with varying coefficients

In this note we show how a initial value problem for a relaxation process governed by a differential equation of non-integer order with a constant coefficient may be equivalent to that of a differential equation of the first order with a varying coefficient. This equivalence is shown for the simple fractional relaxation equation that points out the relevance of the Mittag-Leffler function in fractional calculus. This simple argument may lead to the equivalence of more general processes governed by evolution equations of fractional order with constant coefficients to processes governed by differential equations of integer order but with varying coefficients. Our main motivation is to solicit the researchers to extend this approach to other areas of applied science in order to have a more deep knowledge of certain phenomena, both deterministic and stochastic ones, nowadays investigated with the techniques of the fractional calculus.

math.CA↗

arXiv2018

The fractional Dodson diffusion equation: a new approach

In this paper, after a brief review of the general theory concerning regularized derivatives and integrals of a function with respect to another function, we provide a peculiar fractional generalization of the $(1+1)$-dimensional Dodson's diffusion equation. For the latter we then compute the fundamental solution, which turns out to be expressed in terms of an M-Wright function of two variables. Then, we conclude the paper providing a few interesting results for some nonlinear fractional Dodson-like equations.

math-ph↗

arXiv2017

A.Ya. Khintchine's Work in Probability Theory

The paper is devoted to the contribution in the Probability Theory of the well-known Soviet mathematician Alexander Yakovlevich Khintchine (1894-1959). Several of his results are described, in particular those fundamental results on the infinitely divisible distributions. Attention is paid also to his interaction with Paul Levy. The content of the paper is related to our joint book The Legacy of A.Ya. Khintchine's Work in Probability Theory, published in 2010 by Cambridge Scientific Publishers.

math.HO↗

arXiv2017

On transient waves in linear viscoelasticity

The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of method of the wave-front expansion, also known in the literature as the Buchen-Mainardi algorithm. In particular, many applications of this technique to the fundamental models of both ordinary and fractional linear viscoelasticity are thoroughly presented and discussed.

math-ph↗