Pires, E. J. SolteiroMachado, J. A. TenreiroOliveira, P. B. MouraCunha, J. BoaventuraMendes, Luís2014-03-272014-03-2720100924-090X1573-269Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/4268This paper proposes a novel method for controlling the convergence rate of a particle swarm optimization algorithm using fractional calculus (FC) concepts. The optimization is tested for several well-known functions and the relationship between the fractional order velocity and the convergence of the algorithm is observed. The FC demonstrates a potential for interpreting evolution of the algorithm and to control its convergence.engParticle swarm optimizationFractional calculusjournal article10.1007/s11071-009-9649-y