3. Flexibility equations

3.1 Structural equilibrium conditions

A structure that is not loaded by forces is in equilibrium even if all its fasteners are cut except the one that positions the assembly in relation to space.

Naturally, the uncut fastener forms the origin of the path (figure 1 ) and requires special treatment compared to the other fasteners. To avoid this inconvenience, it is sufficient to attach it by means of a dimensionless but highly flexible connection to a fictitious fastener whose influence on the overall forces is quite negligible. What's more, this anchor is fixed in space and subject neither to expansion nor movement....