A bilevel game theoretic approach to optimum design of flywheels

Multiobjective optimization problems arise frequently in mechanical design. One approach to solving these types of problems is to use a game theoretic formulation. This article illustrates the application of a bilevel, leader–follower model for solving an optimum design problem. In particular, the optimization problem is modelled as a Stackelberg game. The partitioning of variables between the leader and follower problem is discussed and a variable partitioning metric is introduced to compare various variable partitions. A computational procedure based on variable updating using sensitivity information is developed for exchanging information between the follower and leader problems. The proposed approach is illustrated through the design of a flywheel. The two objective functions used for the design problem include maximizing the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel while simultaneously minimizing the manufacturing cost.