Remarks on hierarchic control for the wave equation in moving domains (Q2447680)

The author considers a hierarchic control problem for the linearized Kirchhoff equation which describes the small vibrations of a stretched elastic string with variable ends. The control action is exerted on the moving boundary through two hierarchized control functions: a ``main'' control, called leader, and a secondary control, called follower. A main cost functional of controllability type and a secondary functional corresponding to the two control functions are considered. The control problem can then be described as follows: For any fixed leader control, find the follower control (depending on the leader), called Nash equilibrium, and the corresponding state for which the secondary cost functional attains its minimum. The existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium is proved and the optimal conditions are established. Then, the approximate controllability with respect to the leader control is studied.