VIRTUAL WORK APPLICATIONS

Virtual work is used in many fields to derive equations of motion for dynamical systems, including both discrete systems (systems made up of rigid bodies) and continuous systems. Virtual work is the basis for Hamilton’s method used to derive equations of motion for dynamic systems. It is also used in Lagrange’s method to determine generalized forces. As shown in the example problem, the principle of virtual work is also used to determine equilibrium equations for systems, which is useful both in statics and in dynamics when a linear analysis is used and the equilibrium position is required.