Finite difference method for time–space linear and nonlinear fractional diffusion equations

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this paper a finite difference method is presented to solve time–space linear and nonlinear fractional diffusion equations. Specifically, the centred difference scheme is used to approximate the Riesz fractional derivative in space. A trapezoidal formula is used to solve a system of Volterra integral equations transformed from spatial discretization. Stability and convergence of the proposed scheme is discussed which shows second-order accuracy both in temporal and spatial directions. Finally, examples are presented to show the accuracy and effectiveness of the schemes.