# Lagrangian mechanics - constraint forces & virtual work

The constraint forces have the dot product 0 ($\textbf C \cdot \textbf x=0$, where $\textbf C$ and $\textbf x$ are vectors, x being the virtual displacement. But the dot product is 0 if $\textbf C$ and $\textbf x$ are perpendicular. So, are the constraint forces always perpendicular to the virtual displacement? Forces such as tension are not always perpendicular to the virtual displacement. Thus, I am asking why forces like tension are not written in the lagrangian equation of lagrangian mechanics? To be more specific, see the example of the Atwood machine.

I) Constraint forces may or may not be perpendicular to the virtual displacements, and may or may not violate d'Alembert's principle, depending on what they consist of, cf. e.g. this Phys.SE post.

II) Concerning Atwood's machine:

• The tension forces at the two ends of an infinitesimal segment of a massless string cancel each other.

• The internal forces of an unstretchable string and the internal forces of the wheel produce no virtual work, cf. this Phys.SE post.

• The normal force between the wheel and the string produces no virtual work.

• Sliding friction between the wheel and the string could produce virtual work.

• So tension is not written in the lagrangian equation?Are there other forces besides friction considered as generalized forces? Thanks for the answer – Alex S Dec 10 '17 at 11:23