External Stability:

In case of 2-D body (Coplanar Structure) a minimum three nonconcurrent and non-parallel
reactions are required.

In case of 3-D body (Space Structure) a minimum six noncoplanar, nonparallel and
nonconcurrent reactions are required.

Linear unstability and Angular unstability

To maintain the internal stability, there shall be enough internal reactions and no condition of
mechanism should be formed (like insufficient number of members in a truss, or, three hinges
in a row). There shall be enough number of members to preserve geometry of structure and
they shall be properly arranged.

For overall stability external stability is compulsory. However, in some cases a n overall
structure may be externally over stiff and internally deficient.

For 2-D trusses, m=2 × n−r must be satisfied (It is necessary but not sufficient condition for
truss to be stable.

D Se =r −S

Where S is the number of conditions of statical equilibrium. For 2-D (coplanar Structure) S=3,
and for 3-D (Space Structure) S=6.

Internal Indeterminacy

D Si =m−(2 ×n−3)

D Si =3 × n−6

For overall internal stability, there should be no local unstability; hence appropriate
arrangement of members is essential.
In trusses: For stability there should be triangular arrangement and there should be no
rectangular and polygonal formation and it should form close arrangements. If arrangement is
open for rectangular or for polygonal then exterior over stiff condition is required for overall
stability.