Combinatorial notions relating to principal fibre bundles (Q1064399)

This work represents a continuation of the approach begun by the author [Mathematical applications of category theory, Contemp. Math. 30, 132-144 (1984; Zbl 0542.18007)], which uses purely combinatorial notions to clarify ideas and constructions in differential geometry. This combinatorial approach includes the classical case, when the results are interpreted in the context of a well-adapted model for synthetic differential geometry. In particular, this article examines the relationships between principal fibre bundles and groupoids and connections in a bundle and the associated connection forms. The central construction is that of a pregroupoid over a base B. This consists of a total space E with a map \(E\to^{\pi}B\) together with a partially defined ternary operation \(\lambda\). If \(\pi (x)=\pi (z)\), \(\lambda\) (x,y,z) is defined and \(\lambda\) ''behaves like'' the group theoretic operation \(yx^{-1}z\). This ternary operation seems to play an important role in differential geometry, as analogous operations appear in the recent work of \textit{J. Pradines} [Cah. Topologie Géom. Différ. Catégoriques 26, 339-380 (1985)] under the same ''rule of three''. Given a pregroupoid \(E\to^{\pi}B\), one can canonically associate a groupoid \(E^*\) and a group \(E_*\), which act on E on the left and right respectively, making E into a principal \(E_*\)-bundle. Assuming B has a reflexive, symmetric relation \(\sim\) defined on it (in SDG, this would be the ''first neighbourhood of the diagonal'' relation), one can proceed to discuss connections on \(E^*\) and \(E_*\)-valued forms on E and their relationship. The paper goes on to consider curvature-free connections and integrability, path-lifting along a connection, as well as holonomy. The results obtained serve as a further testament to the elegance and clarity provided by synthetic reasoning in differential geometry.