Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2016) 131: 373
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2016-16373-2

Regular Article

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Derivative with two fractional orders: A new avenue of investigation toward revolution in fractional calculus

Institute for Groundwater studies, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, 9300, Bloemfontein, South Africa

^a AtanganaA@ufs.ac.za

Received: 5 September 2016
Accepted: 30 September 2016
Published online: 24 October 2016

Abstract

In order to describe more complex problems using the concept of fractional derivatives, we introduce in this paper the concept of fractional derivatives with orders. The new definitions are based upon the concept of power law together with the generalized Mittag-Leffler function. The first order is included in the power law function and the second one is in the generalized Mittag-Leffler function. Each order therefore plays an important role while modeling, for instance, problems with two layers with different properties. This is the case, for instance, in thermal science for a reaction diffusion within a media with two different layers with different properties. Another case is that of groundwater flowing within an aquifer where geological formation is formed with two layers with different properties. The paper presents new fractional operators that will open new doors for research and investigations in modeling real world problems. Some useful properties of the new operators are presented, in particular their relationship with existing integral transforms, namely the Laplace, Sumudu, Mellin and Fourier transforms. The numerical approximation of the new fractional operators are presented. We apply the new fractional operators on the model of groundwater plume with degradation and limited sorption and solve the new model numerically with some numerical simulations. The numerical simulation leaves no doubt in believing that the new fractional operators are powerfull mathematical tools able to portray complexes real world problems.