Sheet number and quandle-colored 2-knot (Q1030023)

In this paper the author generalizes results developed by him and \textit{M. Saito} in the paper [J. Knot Theory Ramifications 14, No. 7, 853--858 (2005; Zbl 1090.57017)]. Generalization goes in two directions. The author first generalizes the technique to coloring by any quandle (in the quoted paper the restriction was on a particular quandle). Second, this generalization applies to almost all 2-knots, while previously they were restricted to spun trefoils. If \(K\) is a 2-knot, \(Q(K)\) its fundamental quandle and sh\((K)\) the sheet number of \(K\), then the obtained result states: If \(Q(K)\) is non-trivial, then sh\((K)\geq4\). In addition to this result, \(p\)-colorings associated with dihedral quandles are investigated. In particular, if \(p=5\) or \(p=7\) and a 2-knot has a non-trivial 5- or 7-coloring, then the sheet number is greater than or equal to 5 or 6, respectively. Examples of 2-knots are included for which 5 and 6 are achieved, respectively.