Regularity of line defects in 3-dimensional media (Q1073391)

A boundary value problem in the context of this work essentially is an extension problem of the following type: Given a 3-manifold M, a (defect) map into some parameter space V, defined on ''most'' of the boundary \(\partial M\), is to be extended as a (defect) map on M. A ''regularly defect second homotopy group'' serves as the coefficient group of a homology obstruction for boundary value problems enjoying certain regularity properties. The parameter space V is defined to have the regular defects property, if all such boundary value problems involving V have a regularly defect solution. Theorem: If \(\Gamma\) \(\subset SO(3)\) is finite then \(V=S0(3)/\Gamma\) has the regular defects property. Investigating the regularly defect second homotopy group shows that the regular defects property depends only on the fundamental group of the parameter space; among other results, a necessary and sufficient condition for this property is found. A final paragraph discusses implications of this work for defects in ordered media in physics.