The Milnor-Totaro theorem for space polygons (Q5933886): Difference between revisions

Let \(X\) be a closed generic oriented polygonal space curve in the Euclidean 3-space, and let \(k\) and \(\tau\) denote the curvature and the torsion of \(X\), respectively. The author proves that if \(\tau\) is positive, then \[ \int_X \sqrt{k^2+ \tau^2} ds>4\pi. \] Furthermore, this integral is greater or equal to \(2\pi n\) whenever no four consecutive vertices lie in a plane, and \(X\) has linking number \(n\) with a straight line. These results extend theorems of \textit{J. Milnor} [Math. Scand. 1, 289-296 (1953; Zbl 0052.38402)] and \textit{B. Totaro} [Int. J. Math. 1, 109-117 (1990; Zbl 0702.53004)].