Piecewise polynomial collocation for linear boundary value problems of fractional differential equations

We consider a class of boundary value problems for linear multi-term fractional differential equations which involve Caputo-type fractional derivatives. Using an integral equation reformulation of the boundary value problem, some regularity properties of the exact solution are derived. Based on these properties, the numerical solution of boundary value problems by piecewise polynomial collocation methods is discussed. In particular, we study the attainable order of convergence of proposed algorithms and show how the convergence rate depends on the choice of the grid and collocation points. Theoretical results are verified by two numerical examples.