Constructing homotopy equivalences (Q1069512)

A homotopy equivalence h: M'\(\to M\) between closed manifolds is called CP if, after composing with a homeomorphism, it can be obtained by cutting along a codimension 1 submanifold N and glueing the pieces together by a homeomorphism homotopic to the identity. If N has the same fundamental group as M, we say h is SCP. If h is CP, then it is a simple homotopy equivalence and its normal invariant \(\nu\) (h): \(M\to G/Top\) lifts to \(\Sigma\) \(\Omega\) (G/Top). Conversely, if these conditions hold, the dimension is \(\geq 5\), and \(\nu (h)^*k_ 2=0\) (where \(k_ 2\) is the Kirby-Siebenmann class) h is SCP. The proof of these and of other results in the paper uses standard techniques of bordism theory and surgery. Most of the paper is devoted to investigating the gap between these two conditions. If \(\nu (h)^*(k_ 2)\) does not lie in the image of \(H^ 2(\pi_ 1(M);{\mathbb{Z}}_ 2)\) then the property of being CP is a normal cobordism invariant, and a long list of groups \(\pi =\pi_ 1(M)\) is given where the necessary condition for CP is also sufficient. The remaining case is more complicated: there is a further obstruction, and a detailed investigation of possibilities for the fundamental groups of N and of the parts into which M is cut is required. A number of calculations are given, using explicit calculations of surgery obstruction groups, and illustrate the complexity of the problem.