Characterization of image spaces of Riemann-Liouville fractional integral operators on Sobolev spaces Wm,p (Ω)

Abstract

Fractional operators are widely used in mathematical models describing abnormal and nonlocal phenomena. Although there are extensive numerical methods for solving the corresponding model problems, theoretical analysis such as the regularity result, or the relationship between the left-side and right-side fractional operators is seldom mentioned. Instead of considering the fractional derivative spaces, this paper starts from discussing the image spaces of Riemann-Liouville fractional integrals of LP(Ω) functions, since the fractional derivative operators that are often used are all pseudo-differential. Then the high regularity situation—the image spaces of Riemann-Liouville fractional integral operators on the Wm,p(Ω) space is considered. Equivalent characterizations of the defined spaces, as well as those of the intersection of the left-side and right-side spaces are given. The behavior of the functions in the defined spaces at both the nearby boundary point/points and the points in the domain is demonstrated in a clear way. Besides, tempered fractional operators are shown to be reciprocal to the corresponding Riemann-Liouville fractional operators, which is expected to contribute some theoretical support for relevant numerical methods. Last, we also provide some instructions on how to take advantage of the introduced spaces when numerically solving fractional equations.