Can nonholonomic constraints always be expressed as inequalities?

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In summary, nonholonomic constraints can often be expressed as a collection of inequalities involving the coordinates of the system. However, there are cases where the constraint involves the velocities and cannot be integrated to yield a relationship between coordinates. A counterexample is when an object rolls without slipping, where the constraint is an equality between tangential velocities.
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espen180
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So far, every nonholonomic constraint I have seen can be expressed as a collection of inequalities involving the coordinates of the system. For example, a small ball rolling down a sphere with radius a has the constraint [itex]r^2-a^2\geq 0[/itex], where r is the radial coordinate of the ball.

Can every nonholonomic constraint be written in this form? If not, I would appreciate a counterexample.

Thanks in advance.
 
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espen180, Nonholonomic means nonintegrable. They can be inequalities, but often they are relationships involving the velocities which can't be integrated to yield a relationship between coordinates. For example when an object rolls without slipping on another, the constraint is an equality between the tangential velocities. Picture a quarter standing up and rolling around on a tabletop.
 

1. What are nonholonomic constraints?

Nonholonomic constraints are restrictions or limitations on the motion of a system that cannot be expressed as purely algebraic equations. Unlike holonomic constraints, which can be written as equations of position and time, nonholonomic constraints involve the velocities and accelerations of the system.

2. How do nonholonomic constraints affect a system?

Nonholonomic constraints can limit the degrees of freedom of a system, making it more difficult to describe and analyze. They also introduce non-integrable terms into the equations of motion, which can lead to non-smooth and unpredictable behavior.

3. What are some examples of nonholonomic constraints?

One common example is the constraint of rolling without slipping, which is often seen in mechanics problems involving wheels or rolling objects. Another example is the constraint of a pendulum swinging only in a vertical plane, which limits its degrees of freedom.

4. How are nonholonomic constraints treated in mathematical models?

Nonholonomic constraints are typically incorporated into the equations of motion using Lagrange multipliers or non-integrable terms. These methods allow for the constraints to be satisfied while still accurately describing the behavior of the system.

5. What are some challenges in studying systems with nonholonomic constraints?

Nonholonomic constraints can make the equations of motion more complex and difficult to solve, which can make it challenging to analyze the behavior of the system. In addition, small errors or inaccuracies in the constraints can have a significant impact on the overall behavior of the system.

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