Hamilton's principle and virtual work by constraint forces

In summary, Goldstein is discussing the concept of ideal constraints and how they apply to Hamilton's principle for both holonomic and semiholonomic systems. The author also mentions the confusion surrounding the concept of nonideal constraints, which are often misunderstood. They suggest that some people write articles before fully understanding the topic.
  • #1
Kashmir
468
74
Found a question on another website, I have the exact same question. Please help me

Goldstein says :
1631703142815.png


I do not understand how (2.34) shows that the virtual work done by forces of constraint is zero. How does the fact that "the same Hamilton's principle holds for both holonomic and semiholonomic systems" show that the additional forces of semiholonomic constraint do no work in the
##\delta q_k##
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Contraints that do zero net virtual work are sometimes called ideal constraints. Not all constraints are ideal (https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01399622/document)

Here Goldstein is asuming ideal constraints (the work of the forces of constraint do not appear in the right hand side of 2.34).
 
  • #3
andresB said:
aints that do zero net virtual work are sometimes called ideal constraints. Not all constraints are ideal (https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01399622/document)
these guys completely do not understand what the D'Alembert-Lagrange is.
They think that they invented "nonideal constraints" but actually they consider systems with ideal constraints and given active forces applied. Some people begin to write articles before reading textbooks :)
 
Last edited:
  • Haha
Likes vanhees71
  • #4
wrobel said:
these guys completely do not understand what the D'Alembert-Lagrange is.
They think that they invented "nonideal constraints" but actually they consider systems with ideal constraints and given active forces applied. Some people begin to write articles before reading textbooks :)
So what does the author mean? I still didn't get it
 

FAQ: Hamilton's principle and virtual work by constraint forces

1. What is Hamilton's principle and how does it relate to virtual work by constraint forces?

Hamilton's principle states that the motion of a mechanical system can be described by the principle of least action, where the system will follow the path that minimizes the action integral. This principle is closely related to virtual work by constraint forces, as it considers the forces acting on a system and their corresponding virtual displacements in order to determine the path of least action.

2. How are constraint forces treated in Hamilton's principle?

Constraint forces are treated as virtual forces in Hamilton's principle, meaning that they do not actually exist in the system but are considered in order to determine the path of least action. These virtual forces arise from constraints that restrict the motion of the system, such as fixed points or rigid connections.

3. What is the significance of virtual work in Hamilton's principle?

Virtual work is a key concept in Hamilton's principle, as it allows for the consideration of forces that do not actually exist in the system. By considering the virtual work done by constraint forces, the principle of least action can be applied to determine the path of motion for a mechanical system.

4. How is Hamilton's principle applied in real-world scenarios?

Hamilton's principle can be applied in a variety of real-world scenarios, such as in engineering and physics. It is often used in the analysis of mechanical systems, such as in the design of structures or machines, to determine the most efficient path of motion.

5. What are the limitations of Hamilton's principle and virtual work by constraint forces?

One limitation of Hamilton's principle is that it assumes the system is in equilibrium, meaning that the forces acting on it are balanced. Additionally, it may not be applicable in systems with complex or non-linear constraints. Virtual work by constraint forces also does not take into account dissipative forces, such as friction, which can affect the motion of a system.

Similar threads

A Virtual work of constraint forces in Hamilton’s principle
Replies
7
Views
1K
I D'Alembert's principle vs Hamilton's principle
Replies
16
Views
3K
A When is Hamilton's principle valid?
Replies
14
Views
2K
D'Alembert's principle and the work done by constraint forces
Replies
6
Views
2K
Uncovering the Motivation behind the Principle of Virtual Work
Replies
6
Views
3K
I Virtual displacement is not consistent with constraints
Replies
3
Views
1K
Prove forces of semiholonomic constraints do no virtual work
Replies
11
Views
3K
Virtual work and D'alembert's principle
Replies
4
Views
3K
Why is Hamilton's Principle assumed to be valid for non-holonomic systems?
Replies
25
Views
2K
A Extending Hamilton's principle to systems with constraints
Replies
17
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top