# Euler-Lagrange for constrained system

Suppose we have Euler-Lagrange system with generalized coordinate $r_1$ and $r_2$, and input $u_1$ and $u_2$. I know how to prove this system is indeed Euler-Lagrange system.

Suppose now if we have a constraint equation so $r_1=f_1(q)$ and $r_2=f_2(q)$. How would I approach in proving that this constrained system is also Euler-Lagrange?

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Try doing direct substitution, if you have $L=L(r_1,r_2,\dot{r}_1,\dot{r}_2;t)$, do the substitution $r_i \rightarrow f_i(q)$ so you have:

$L'= L(f_1(q),f_2(q),\dot{f}_1(q),\dot{f}_2(q);t)$

and $\frac{df_i}{dt} =\frac{\partial f_i}{\partial q} \frac{dq}{dt} = \frac{\partial f_i}{\partial q} \dot{q}$ assuming $f_i$ doesn't depend explicitly on $t$ and it's continous derivative, then if you apply the Euler-Lagrange equations, with dependance only in $q$.

So you have then:

$\frac{\partial L'}{\partial q} =\frac{\partial L}{\partial r_1}\frac{\partial f_1}{\partial q} + \frac{\partial L}{\partial r_2}\frac{\partial f_1}{\partial q}$

The dependence on $\dot{q}$ is only on the time derivative of $f_i$ and considering $f_i$ has no explicit time dependence:

$\frac{d}{dt}\frac{\partial L'}{\partial \dot{q}} = \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{r_1}}\frac{\partial f_1}{\partial q} + \frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{r_2}}\frac{\partial f_2}{\partial q}\right) = \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{r_1}}\right)\frac{\partial f_1}{\partial q} + \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{r_2}}\right)\frac{\partial f_2}{\partial q}$

If we unite everithing, and factoring:

$\frac{\partial L'}{\partial q}-\frac{d}{dt}\frac{\partial L'}{\partial \dot{q}} = \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial r_1}-\frac{d}{dt}\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{r_1}} \right)\frac{\partial f_1}{\partial q} + \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial r_2} -\frac{d}{dt}\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{r_2}}\right)\frac{\partial f_2}{\partial q} = 0$

As $L$ is a good lagrangian for $r_1$ and $r_2$.

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You could also use the action integral. –  Angel Joaniquet Tukiainen Apr 10 '13 at 7:30