On the equality of blocks of a group of fixed point free automorphisms (Q1110638)

Let \(\Delta\) be a group of fixed point free automorphisms of a finite group \((N,+)\). For \(a\in N\setminus \{0\}\), \(\Delta\) a denotes the orbit of a and \(\Delta a+b=\{f(a)+b|\) \(f\in \Delta \}\). Set \(B^*=\{\Delta a+b|\) \(a,b\in N\), \(a\neq 0\}\). In unpublished work [\textit{J. R. Clay}, Ann. Discrete Math. 37, 95-105 (1988)], the fact that the triple \((N,B^*,\epsilon)\) is a balanced incomplete block design relied heavily on the result that \(\Delta a+b=\Delta c+d\) if and only if \(\Delta a=\Delta c\) and \(b=d\). In this article, the authors prove that the hypothesis of \((N,+)\) being finite is essential. Also necessary and sufficient conditions for \(\Delta a=\Delta b+c\), \(c\neq 0\) are developed. From the conclusions that are obtained, it becomes evident that the concept of a planar nearring can be realistically extended.