This brief presents a general unifying perspective on the fractional calculus. It brings together results of several recent approaches in generalizing the least action principle and the Euler-Lagrange equations to include fractional derivatives. The dependence of Lagrangians on generalized fractional operators as well as on classical derivatives is considered along with still more general problems in which integer-order integrals are replaced by fractional integrals. General theorems are obtained for several types of variational problems for which recent results developed in the literature can be obtained as special cases. In particular, the authors offer necessary optimality conditions of Euler-Lagrange type for the fundamental and isoperimetric problems, transversality conditions, and Noether symmetry theorems. The existence of solutions is demonstrated under Tonelli type conditions. The results are used to prove the existence of eigenvalues and corresponding orthogonal eigenfunctions of fractional Sturm-Liouville problems. Advanced Methods in the Fractional Calculus of Variations is a self-contained text which will be useful for graduate students wishing to learn about fractional-order systems. The detailed explanations will interest researchers with backgrounds in applied mathematics, control and optimization as well as in certain areas of physics and engineering.

This book provides an overview of some recent findings in the theory and applications of non-integer order systems. Discussing topics ranging from the mathematical foundations to technical applications of continuous-time and discrete-time fractional calculus, it includes 22 original research papers and is subdivided into four parts: * Mathematical Foundations * Approximation, Modeling and Simulations * Fractional Systems Analysis and Control * Applications The papers were selected from those presented at the 10th International Conference of Non-integer Order Calculus and its Applications, which was held at the Bialystok University of Technology, Poland, September 20-21, 2018. Thanks to the broad spectrum of topics covered, the book is suitable for researchers from applied mathematics and engineering. It is also a valuable resource for graduate students, as well as for scholars looking for new mathematical tools.