A unified approach to the modelling of holonomic and nonholonomic mechanical systems

Abstract An alternative technique, called projection method, for solving constrained system problems is presented. This approach can be used to derive equations of motion of both holonomic and nonholonomic systems, and the dynamic equations can be expressed in generalized velocities and/or quasi-velocities. Compared against the other methods of classical mechanics (Lagrange's, Gibbs-Appell, Kane's,...), the present method turns out to be extraordinarily short, elementary and general. As such, it deserves to be promoted as a generally accepted method in academic and engineering applications. Three examples are reported to illustrate advantages of the technique Keywords: modelling of constrained systems multibody system dynamics