12 research outputs found
DOI: 10.1007/s10957-005-7496-7 Reflections on the Gauss Principle of Least Constraint
Abstract. The Gauss principle of least constraint is derived from a new point of view. Then, an extended principle of least constraint is derived to cover the case of nonideal constraints. Finally, a version of the principle for general underdetermined systems is adumbrated. Throughout, the notion of generalized inverses of matices plays a prominent role. Key Words. Gauss principle of least constraint, nonideal nonholonomic constraints, generalized inverses of matrices. 1