The article discusses different schemes for the numerical solution of the fractional Riccati equation with variable coefficients and variable memory, where the fractional derivative is understood in the sense of Gerasimov-Caputo. For a nonlinear fractional equation, in the general case, theorems of approximation, stability, and convergence of a nonlocal implicit finite difference scheme (IFDS) are proved. For IFDS, it is shown that the scheme converges with the order corresponding to the estimate for approximating the Gerasimov-Caputo fractional operator. The IFDS scheme is solved by the modified Newton’s method (MNM), for which it is shown that the method is locally stable and converges with the first order of accuracy. In the case of the fractional Riccati equation, approximation, stability, and convergence theorems are proved for a nonlocal explicit finite difference scheme (EFDS). It is shown that EFDS conditionally converges with the first order of accuracy. On specific test examples, the computational accuracy of numerical methods was estimated according to Runge’s rule and compared with the exact solution. It is shown that the order of computational accuracy of numerical methods tends to the theoretical order of accuracy with increasing nodes of the computational grid.

In this study, the model Riccati equation with variable coefficients as functions, as well as a derivative of a fractional variable order (VO) of the Gerasimov-Caputo type, is used to approximate the data for some physical processes with saturation. In particular, the proposed model is applied to the description of solar activity (SA), namely the number of sunspots observed over the past 25 years. It is also used to describe data from Johns Hopkins University on coronavirus infection COVID-19, in particular data on the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Finally, it is used to study issues related to seismic activity, in particular, the description of data on the volumetric activity of Radon (RVA). The Riccati equation used in the mathematical model was numerically solved by constructing an implicit finite difference scheme (IFDS) and its implementation by the modified Newton method (MNM). The calculated curves obtained in the study are compared with known experimental data. It is shown that if the model parameters are chosen appropriately, the model curves will give results that correlate well with real experimental data. Moreover, with other parameters of the model, it is possible to make some prediction about the possible course of the considered processes.

In this work, based on Newton’s second law, taking into account heredity, an equation is derived for a linear hereditary oscillator (LHO). Then, by choosing a power-law memory function, the transition to a model equation with Gerasimov–Caputo fractional derivatives is carried out. For the resulting model equation, local initial conditions are set (the Cauchy problem). Numerical methods for solving the Cauchy problem using an explicit non-local finite-difference scheme (ENFDS) and the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton (ABM) method are considered. An analysis of the errors of the methods is carried out on specific test examples. It is shown that the ABM method is more accurate and converges faster to an exact solution than the ENFDS method. Forced oscillations of linear fractional oscillators (LFO) are investigated. Using the ABM method, the amplitude–frequency characteristics (AFC) were constructed, which were compared with the AFC obtained by the analytical formula. The Q-factor of the LFO is investigated. It is shown that the orders of fractional derivatives are responsible for the intensity of energy dissipation in fractional vibrational systems. Specific mathematical models of LFOs are considered: a fractional analogue of the harmonic oscillator, fractional oscillators of Mathieu and Airy. Oscillograms and phase trajectories were constructed using the ABM method for various values of the parameters included in the model equation. The interpretation of the simulation results is carried out.

The article investigates a mathematical model of the Duffing oscillator with a variable fractional order derivative of the Riemann–Liouville type. The study of the model is carried out using a numerical scheme based on the approximation of the fractional derivative of the Riemann–Liouville type by a discrete analog—the fractional derivative of Grunwald–Letnikov. The adequacy of the numerical scheme is verified using specific examples. Using a numerical algorithm, oscillograms and phase trajectories are constructed depending on the values of the model parameters. Chaotic regimes of the Duffing fractional oscillator are investigated using the Wolf–Bennetin algorithm. The forced oscillations of the Duffing fractional oscillator are investigated using the harmonic balance method. Analytical formulas for the amplitude-frequency, phase-frequency characteristics, and also the quality factor are obtained. It is shown that the fractional Duffing oscillator possesses different modes: regular, chaotic, multi-periodic. The relationship between the order of the fractional derivative and the quality factor of the oscillatory system is established.

The paper deals with the model of variable-order nonlinear hereditary oscillator based on a numerical finite-difference scheme. Numerical experiments have been carried out to evaluate the stability and convergence of the difference scheme. It is argued that the approximation, stability and convergence are of the first order, while the scheme is stable and converges to the exact solution.