Stochastic programming with primal–dual dynamics: a mean-field game approach

Abstract

This study addresses primal–dual dynamics for a stochastic programming problem for capacity network design. It is proven that consensus can be achieved on the here and now variables which represent the capacity of the network. The main contribution is a heuristic approach which involves the formulation of the problem as a mean-field game. Every agent in the mean-field game has control over its own primal–dual dynamics and seeks consensus with neighboring agents according to a communication topology. We obtain theoretical results concerning the existence of a mean-field equilibrium. Moreover, we prove that the consensus dynamics converge such that the agents agree on the capacity of the network. Lastly, we emphasize the ways in which penalties on control and state influence the dynamics of agents in the mean-field game.