Efficient high-order exponential time differencing methods for nonlinear fractional differential models

Exponential integrators, due to their robust stability properties, have been considered as reliable schemes for numerical solutions of stiff systems. In this paper, we propose generalized exponential time differencing (GETD) schemes for nonlinear fractional differential equations of order α ∈ (0,1). First, we improve the suboptimal performance of the multistep GETD schemes. Using graded mesh, uniform optimal convergence rates under no additional smoothness requirements are obtained. Second, we develop and analyze novel second-order and third-order accurate predictor-corrector type GETD schemes. Using linear stability analysis and numerical illustrations, we demonstrate that the newly introduced schemes have better stability properties than the multistep GETD schemes. Partial fraction decompositions of global Padé approximations for Mittag-Leffler function are used for efficient implementation. Numerical examples involving nonlinear scalar equations and stiff systems are provided to illustrate the theoretical findings.