On the Lagrangian Structure of Reduced Dynamics Under Virtual Holonomic Constraints

Abstract

This paper investigates a class of Lagrangian control systems with $n$ degrees-of-freedom (DOF) and n-1 actuators, assuming that $n-1$ virtual holonomic constraints have been enforced via feedback, and a basic regularity condition holds. The reduced dynamics of such systems are described by a second-order unforced differential equation. We present necessary and sufficient conditions under which the reduced dynamics are those of a mechanical system with one DOF and, more generally, under which they have a Lagrangian structure. In both cases, we show that typical solutions satisfying the virtual constraints lie in a restricted class which we completely characterize.