ABSTRACT
In this work, a new state-space approach in the context of fractional-order theory of thermoelasticity is introduced. This new method utilizes the diagonalization of a square matrix by the use of its eigenvalues and vectors. This new approach is applied to a 1-D problem for a half-space subjected to a thermal shock. Laplace transform technique is used throughout. The inversion of the transforms is performed using a numerical inversion technique based on the Fourier series expansion technique. The effects of the time and the fractional parameter on variable field distributions are discussed and represented graphically.