Stackelberg-Nash controllability for a multi-objective Stefan problem

Abstract

We investigate a hierarchical control problem for a one-dimensional Stefan system with localized distributed controls. The setting combines a Stackelberg strategy with a Nash equilibrium among multiple followers, yielding a multi-objective free-boundary problem. The interaction between the hierarchical control and the moving interface results in a nonlinear optimality system, and we show that the original problem reduces to the null controllability of this optimality system. Under suitable geometric conditions on the control regions, we establish a local null controllability result. The proof relies on an observability inequality for a linearized system, obtained through Carleman estimates adapted to the presence of a moving boundary. These results constitute, to the best of our knowledge, the first treatment of a Stefan system within a Stackelberg-Nash framework.