Completely monotone functions and some classes of fractional evolution equations

Abstract: The abstract Cauchy problem for the distributed order fractional evolution equation in the Caputo and in the Riemann-Liouville sense is studied for operators generating a strongly continuous one-parameter semigroup on a Banach space. Continuous as well as discrete distribution of fractional time-derivatives of order less than one are considered. The problem is reformulated as an abstract Volterra integral equation. It is proven that its kernel satisfy certain complete monotonicity properties. Based on these properties, the well-posedness of the problem is established and a series expansion of the solution is obtained. In case of ordered Banach space this representation implies positivity of the solution operator. In addition, a subordination formula is obtained.