A novel method to approximate fractional differential equations based on the theory of functional connections (Q6186383)

In this paper, the authors propose a new method of using the Theory of Functional Connections (TFC) to approximate the solution of fractional differential equations. The theory of functional connections is a recently introduced framework by \textit{D. Mortari} [``Using the theory of functional connections to solve boundary value geodesic problems'', Math. Comput. Appl. 27, No. 4, 64 (2022)]. The proposed method has been discussed in detail for functions with one constraint at one point, several constraints at one point and distinct points and relative constraints. The theoretical approach of the suggested method is investigated. For the first time in the literature, this has been used to solve Caputo-type fractional differential initial value problems, boundary value problems and higher order problems. Wherever the exact solution exists, the numerical results are compared. Several examples are provided to illustrate the results obtained. The authors are hopeful that, in the future, this novel method can be used in biological system approximation. This method can be coupled with a shallow neural network for accurate results.