Symmetry properties of fractional order transport equations

Abstract

In the paper some features of applying Lie group analysis methods to fractional differential equations are considered. The problem related to point change of variables in the fractional differentiation operator is discussed and some general form of transformation that conserves the form of Riemann-Liouville fractional operator is obtained. The prolongation formula for extending an infinitesimal operator of a group to fractional derivative with respect to arbitrary function is presented. Provided simple example illustrates the necessity of considering both local and non-local symmetries for fractional differential equations in particular cases including the initial conditions. The equivalence transformation forms for some fractional differential equations are discussed and results of group classification of the wave-diffusion equation are presented. Some examples of constructing particular exact solutions of fractional transport equation are given, based on the Lie group methods and the method of invariant subspaces.