Positive solutions of nonlinear fractional boundary value problems with Dirichlet boundary conditions

Abstract

In this paper, we study the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions of a class of nonlinear fractional boundary value problems with Dirichlet boundary conditions. By applying the fixed point theory on cones we establish a series of criteria for the existence of one, two, any arbitrary finite number, and an infinite number of positive solutions. A criterion for the nonexistence of positive solutions is also derived. Several examples are given for demonstration.