Variational problems of variable fractional order involving arbitrary kernels

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study several problems of the calculus of variations, where the dynamics of the state function is given by a generalized fractional derivative. This derivative combines two well-known concepts: fractional derivative with respect to another function and fractional derivative of variable order. We present the Euler–Lagrange equation, which is a necessary condition that every optimal solution of the problem must satisfy. Other problems are also studied: with integral and holonomic constraints, with higher order derivatives, and the Herglotz variational problem.