The Extended Rule of Maxwell and Rigidity Conditions for Infinitesimal Mechanisms

Abstract

The present paper is concerned with the analysis of the static and kinematic behavior of pin-jointed frameworks. In order to achieve the most correct analysis an extended formulation of Clerk Maxwell’s rule for stiff frames is presented, which can provide us with useful information regarding the number of states of independent self-stresses and inextensional mechanisms. A brief explanation of mechanism theory is given. Finally, prestress stability and rigidity conditions are set for first-order infinitesimal mechanisms.