Fractional differential equations and Lyapunov functionals Original Research Article

We consider a scalar fractional differential equation, write it as an integral equation, and construct several Lyapunov functionals yielding qualitative results about the solution. It turns out that the kernel is convex with a singularity and it is also completely monotone, as is the resolvent kernel. While the kernel is not integrable, the resolvent kernel is positive and integrable with an integral value of one. These kernels give rise to essentially different types of Lyapunov functionals. It is to be stressed that the Lyapunov functionals are explicitly given in terms of known functions and they are differentiated using Leibniz’s rule. The results are readily accessible to anyone with a background of elementary calculus.