Constraint (mechanics)

In classical mechanics, a constraint on a system is a parameter that the system must obey. For example, a box sliding down a slope must remain on the slope. There are two different types of constraints: holonomic and non-holonomic.^[1]

In this system the box slides down a slope, the constraint is that the box must remain on the slope (it cannot go through it or start flying).

Types of constraint

• First class constraints and second class constraints
• Primary constraints, secondary constraints, tertiary constraints, quaternary constraints
• Holonomic constraints, also called integrable constraints, (depending on time and the coordinates but not on the momenta) and Nonholonomic system
• Pfaffian constraints
• Scleronomic constraints (not depending on time) and rheonomic constraints (depending on time)
• Ideal constraints: those for which the work done by the constraint forces under a virtual displacement vanishes.

References

1. Leach, Dr Andrew (2001-01-30). Molecular Modelling: Principles and Applications (2nd ed.). Harlow: Prentice Hall. pp. 369–370. ISBN 9780582382107.