Convex functions on symmetric spaces, side lengths of polygons and the stability inequalities for weighted configurations at infinity (Q1004357)

It is known that in a symmetric space \(X= G/K\) of noncompact type oriented geodesic segments correspond modulo isometries to vectors in the Euclidean Weyl chamber. One can hence assign vector valued lengths to segments. The main result presented in the present paper is a system of homogeneous linear inequalities, which the authors call the generalized triangle inequalities or stability inequalities, describing the restrictions on the vector-valued side lengths of oriented polygons. It is based on the mod 2 Schubert calculus in the real Grassmannians \(G/P\) for maximal parabolic subgroups \(P\). The side lengths of polygons in Euclidean buildings are studied in the related paper [see \textit{M. Kapovich}, \textit{B. Leeb} and \textit{J. Millson}, ``Polygons in buildings and their refined side lengths'', Geom. Anal. Funct. Anal. (to appear)] while applications of the geometric results of both papers to algebraic group theory are given in the paper ``The generalized triangle inequalities in symmetric spaces and buildings with applications to algebra'' [Mem. Am. Math. Soc. 896, 83 p. (2008; Zbl 1140.22009)] by the same authors.