On Energy Rate Theorems for Linear First-Order Nonholonomic Systems

Starting with the Boltzmann/Hamel equations of motion of mechanical systems subject to general linear and first-order nonholonomic and rheonomic constraints, and in nonholonomic coordinates, this paper derives the general (reactionless) energy rate, or power, equation for such systems, in a straightforward and physically clear fashion. A power (reaction-containing) equation for these systems, but in holonomic coordinates, is also derived for completeness. An example of a sphere rolling on a uniformly spinning plane serves to illustrate these power theorems. The paper extends and corrects the recent work by Kane and Levinson (1988) on the same topic.