Point of application of generalized forces of constraint

[gulfcoastfella]

In Lagrangian Dynamics, I assume that generalized forces of constraint are applied at the location of the corresponding generalized coordinate. I don't recall seeing anything explicit about the point of application in the text.

 

[Dale]

Not necessarily. The generalized coordinates represent a configuration of the system, not a point in space. So there may not be any sense in which a force can be applied "at" a generalized coordinate.

 

[gulfcoastfella]

Thank you.