Objective Non-holonomic systems are a widespread topic in several scientific and practical domains, including robotics and space exploration. They are a special family of the broader class of mechanical systems. Pairs of rigid bodies rolling onto each other in space form a non-holonomic system of rather general type, posing several interesting dynamical and control problems, of which not much is known. The present proposal is concerned with the development of a (local) bifurcation theory for such systems and the related systematic study of the (local) dynamics. The (systematic) study of systems with non-holonomic constraints has received little attention for a long time, especially when compared to the enormous activity in the field of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.However, since the 1980s, the intrinsic interdisciplinary character of such a study and the availability of new (geometric) techniques have induced a strong renewed interest in the field. Since then, the theory of non-holonomic mechanics has mainly been approached from two points of view: geometric mechanics, and (non-linear) control theory. Surprisingly, very few studies have been done on the dynamics of non-holonomic mechanical systems. In particular, the (local) bifurcation theory for such systems appears to be a completely open problem. This is remarkable, as several parameters are naturally involved in non-holonomic mechanical problems and variation of parameters often leads to bifurcations.The goal of the project is therefore the development of a bifurcation theory for non-holonomic mechanical systems together with a systematic study of the dynamics. In the absence of any theory at present, we estimate that this project will very likely constitute the basis of a new field, which will provide inputs for new mathematical tools. Also, a deeper understanding will imply a better exploitation of such systems in practical devices with less costs and more reliability as a consequence. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyspace explorationengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringrobotics Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Topic(s) MOBILITY-2.1 - Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships (EIF) Call for proposal FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme EIF - Marie Curie actions-Intra-European Fellowships Coordinator IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE EU contribution No data Address South Kensington Campus LONDON United Kingdom See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
