Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
We investigate some basic applications of Fractional Calculus (FC) to Newtonian mechanics. After a brief review of FC, we consider a possible generalization of Newton's second law of motion and apply it to the case of a body subject to a constant force. In our second application of FC to Newtonian gravity, we consider a generalized fractional gravitational potential and derive the related circular orbital velocities. This analysis might be used as a tool to model galactic rotation curves, in view of the dark matter problem. Both applications have a pedagogical value in connecting fractional calculus to standard mechanics and can be used as a starting point for a more advanced treatment of fractional mechanics.
Digital Commons @ LMU & LLS Citation
Varieschi, Gabriele U., "Applications of Fractional Calculus to Newtonian Mechanics" (2017). Physics Faculty Works. 63.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/phys_fac/63
