Two kinds of generalized gradient representations for holonomic mechanical systems.

Two kinds of generalized gradient systems are proposed and the characteristics of the two systems are studied. The conditions under which a holonomic mechanical system can be considered as one of the two generalized gradient systems are obtained. The characteristics of the generalized gradient systems can be used to study the stability of the holonomic system. Some examples are given to illustrate the application of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]