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Given a rotating masses system with lagrangian

$$ L = \frac 12 J_1\omega_1^2+\frac 12 J_2\omega_2^2 -\frac 12 C(\theta_1-\theta_2)^2 $$

where $\omega_i = \dot\theta_i$ assuming the constraint $\omega_1 = A(t)\omega_2$. What is the nature of this constraint? If holonomic it can be integrated into the lagrangian as $L_{\lambda}=L+\lambda(\omega_1-A(t)\omega_2)$ but I am not quite sure about it's nature. Any help will be appreciated.

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  • $\begingroup$ I think that you have non holonomic constraint $\endgroup$
    – Eli
    Commented Oct 12, 2021 at 14:49

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your constraint equation is:

$$\omega_1=A(t)\,\omega_2~,\text{or}\\ \frac{d}{dt}\theta_1=A(t)\,\frac{d}{dt}\theta_2$$

multiply by dt and integrating

$$\theta_1=\int A(t)\,d\theta_2$$

for holonomic constraint you expected $~\theta_1=A(t)\,\theta_2$ but this is not the case.

hence this constraint is non holonomic.


$$2\,L=J_1\,\dot{\theta}_1^2+J_2\,\dot{\theta}_2^2-C\,(\theta_1-\theta_2)^2 $$

and the non holonomic constraint

$$ \dot\theta_1-A(t)\,\dot\theta_2=0$$

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    $\begingroup$ Thank you for your considerations! $\endgroup$
    – Cesareo
    Commented Oct 12, 2021 at 15:22

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