Eigenvalue criteria for existence of positive solutions to fractional boundary value problem (Q2188099)

Summary: The existence and multiplicity of positive solutions for the nonlinear fractional differential equation boundary value problem (BVP) \[^CD_{0 +}^\alpha y(x)+f(x,y(x)) = 0, \;\;0 < x < 1,\] \[y(0)= y'(1)= y''(0) = 0\] is established, where \(2 < \alpha \leq 3\), \(^CD_{0 +}^\alpha\) is the Caputo fractional derivative, and \(f:[0,1]\times [0,\infty) \longrightarrow [0,\infty)\) is a continuous function. The conclusion relies on the fixed-point index theory and the Leray-Schauder degree theory. The growth conditions of the nonlinearity with respect to the first eigenvalue of the related linear operator is given to guarantee the existence and multiplicity.