Fractional calculus approach to the acoustic wave propagation with space-dependent sound speed

In this note we study the space-fractional wave equation in relation to the propagation of acoustic waves with space-dependent sound speed. We take into account this variability, by using the space-fractional derivative in the classical wave equation. In order to give a clear comprehension of this mathematical formulation, we discuss the analytic solution of a simple boundary value problem (BVP) by an operational method, finding a fractional oscillating spatial profile. © 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited.