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.

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.