A theory of systems with unilateral constraints

The realization of a unilateral constraint is considered in a situation in which the stiffness and coefficient of viscosity and the added masses tend to infinity simultaneously in a consistent manner. The main result is that limiting motions exist, which are identical on the boundary with the motions of a holonomic system with fewer degrees of freedom. However, a special effect, not present in the classical model, occurs here, namely, a delay in the time at which the constraint is released.