Finite element methods for fractional-order diffusion problems with optimal convergence order

Abstract

A convergence result is stated for the numerical solution of space-fractional diffusion problems. For the spatial discretization, an arbitrary family of finite elements can be used combined with the matrix transformation technique. The analysis covers the application of the implicit Euler method for time integration to ensure unconditional stability. The spatial convergence rate does not depend on the fractional power of the Laplacian operator. An efficient numerical implementation is developed avoiding the direct computation of matrix powers.