Degree of freedom definition help

[roshan2004]

I have been trying to learn degree of freedom and constraints by myself. However the content of these materials are very limited especially of Degree of freedom. I tried to check about these materials on the wikipedia too, but disappointed with the content about it. Can anyone provide me the links regarding these topics especially of degree of freedom.

 

[jack action]

What is wrong with this definition from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degrees_of_freedom_(mechanics)" :

In mechanics, degrees of freedom (DOF) are the set of independent displacements and/or rotations that specify completely the displaced or deformed position and orientation of the body or system.

(...)

In three dimensions, the six DOFs of a rigid body are sometimes described using these nautical names:

Moving up and down (heaving);
Moving left and right (swaying);
Moving forward and backward (surging);
Tilting forward and backward (pitching);
Turning left and right (yawing);
Tilting side to side (rolling).

As for the constraints, look for http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinematic_pair" . I think it will help you.

[URL]http://web.mit.edu/mecheng/pml/spec_config-8.jpg[/URL]