On the Rosen-Edelstein model andthe theoretical foundation of nonholonomicmechanics

A new model in nonholonomic mechanics,the Rosen--Edelstein model, has been studied. We prove that the new model is a Lagrange problem in which the action integral \int^t_1_t_0Ldt can be made stationary.The theoretical basis of nonholonomic mechanics is investigated and discussed. Finally, we give the range of practical applications of theRosen--Edelstein model.