Equilibrium stresses and rigidity for infinite tensegrities and frameworks

Abstract: Asymptotic equilibrium stresses are defined for countably infinite tensegrities and generalisations of the Roth-Whiteley characterisation of first-order rigidity are obtained. Generalisations of prestress stability and second order rigidity are given for countably infinite bar-joint frameworks and are shown to give sufficient conditions for continuous rigidity relative to certain prescribed motions. The proofs are based on a new short proof for finite frameworks that prestress stability ensures continuous rigidity.