Abstract
We study the nonlinear stability of the equilibria corresponding to the motion of a particle orbiting around a two finite orthogonal straight segment. The potential is a logarithmic function and may be considered as an approximation to the one generated by irregular celestial bodies. Using Arnold's theorem for non-definite quadratic forms we determine the nonlinear stability of the equilibria, for all values of the parameter of the problem. Moreover, the resonant cases are determined and the stability is investigated. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.