Machado, J. A. TenreiroGalhano, AlexandraOliveira, AnabelaTar, József K.2014-03-282014-03-2820101007-5704http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/4276This study addresses the optimization of rational fraction approximations for the discrete-time calculation of fractional derivatives. The article starts by analyzing the standard techniques based on Taylor series and Padé expansions. In a second phase the paper re-evaluates the problem in an optimization perspective by tacking advantage of the flexibility of the genetic algorithms.engFractional derivativesFractional calculusOptimizationGenetic algorithmsjournal article10.1016/j.cnsns.2009.04.030