Analysis of the multi-term fractional Bateman equations in radioactive decay by means of Mikusiński algebraic calculus

Abstract

Fractional Bateman equations model the concentrations of nuclear species through a radioactive decay chain, by considering non-Markovian behavior. Cruz-López and Espinosa-Paredes (Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 2022) solved the mathematical problem with a single memory coefficient, based on the Laplace-transform technique. Cruz-López, Espinosa-Paredes and François (Computer Physics Communications, 2022) extended the analysis to several fractional orders, with Laplace transforms and series expansions checked by induction. In this paper, we solve such a case of distinct memory effects, via the more general method of Mikusiński operational calculus. We do not distinguish between equal and different decay rates. Multivariate Mittag-Leffler functions appear in the closed-form expression.