Generalization of Hermite functions by fractal interpolation

Fractal interpolation techniques provide good deterministic representations of complex phenomena. This paper approaches the Hermite, interpolation using fractal procedures. This problem prescribes at each support abscissa not only the value of a function but also its first p derivatives. It is shown here that the proposed fractal interpolation function and its first p derivatives are good approximations of the corresponding derivatives of the original function. According to the theorems, the described method allows to interpolate, with arbitrary accuracy, a smooth function with derivatives prescribed on a set of points. The functions solving this problem generalize the Hermite osculatory polynomials. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.