ABSTRACT
Investigation of space systems is based on the same approaches which have been developed for plane systems. Space systems consist of bodies, i.e., geometrically stable objects with extension in three dimensions. Straight bars connected with other bodies of a space system by spherical hinges at their ends can freely rotate about their own axial lines, and this rotation doesn’t affect the system’s integrity. This chapter discusses hinged bar systems. It establishes the conditions of geometrical stability and static determinacy for an attached hinged bar system. It provides a brief review of calculation methods for statically determinate space trusses and shows that these methods are either based on methods developed for plane trusses or their generalizations.
