Exponential integrator methods for systems of non-linear space-fractional models with super-diffusion processes in pattern formation

Abstract

Nonlocality and spatial heterogeneity of many practical systems have made fractional differential equations very useful tools in Science and Engineering. However, solving these type of models is computationally demanding. In this paper, we propose an exponential integrator method for space fractional models as an attractive and easy-to-code alternative for other existing second-order exponential integrator methods. This scheme is based on using a real distinct poles discretization for the underlying matrix exponentials. One of the major benefits of the proposed scheme is that the algorithm could be easily implemented in parallel to take advantage of multiple processors for increased computational efficiency. The scheme is established to be second-order convergent; and proven to be robust for nonlinear space fractional reaction–diffusion problems involving non-smooth initial data. Our approach is exhibited by solving a system of two-dimensional problems which exhibits pattern formation and has applications in cell-division. Empirically, super-diffusion processes are displayed by investigating the effect of the fractional power of the underlying Laplacian operator on the pattern formation found in these models. Furthermore, the superiority of our method over competing second order ETD schemes, BDF2 scheme, and IMEX schemes is demonstrated.