A reduced-order Jacobi spectral collocation method for solving the space-fractional FitzHugh–Nagumo models with application in myocardium

Purpose The space fractional PDEs (SFPDEs) play an important role in the fractional calculus field. Proposing a high-order, stable and flexible numerical procedure for solving SFPDEs is the main aim of most researchers. This paper devotes to developing a novel spectral algorithm to solve the FitzHugh–Nagumo models with space fractional derivatives. Design/methodology/approach The fractional derivative is defined based upon the Riesz derivative. First, a second-order finite difference formulation is used to approximate the time derivative. Then, the Jacobi spectral collocation method is employed to discrete the spatial variables. On the other hand, authors assume that the approximate solution is a linear combination of special polynomials which are obtained from the Jacobi polynomials, and also there exists Riesz fractional derivative based on the Jacobi polynomials. Also, a reduced order plan, such as proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method, has been utilized. Findings A fast high-order numerical method to decrease the elapsed CPU time has been constructed for solving systems of space fractional PDEs. Originality/value The spectral collocation method is combined with the POD idea to solve the system of space-fractional PDEs. The numerical results are acceptable and efficient for the main mathematical model.