Mei symmetry and generalized Hojman conserved quantity for variable mass systems with unilateral holonomic constraints

This paper studies Mei symmetry which leads to a generalized Hojman conserved quantity for variable mass systems with unilateral holonomic constraints. The differential equations of motion for the systems are established, the definition and criterion of the Mei symmetry for the systems are given. The necessary and sufficient condition under which the Mei symmetry is a Lie symmetry for the systems is obtained and a generalized Hojman conserved quantity deduced from the Mei symmetry is got. An example is given to illustrate the application of the results.