Euclidean 4-simplices and invariants of four-dimensional manifolds. I: Moves \(3\to 3\) (Q1417380)

The paper deals with the construction of invariants of four-dimensional piecewise-linear manifolds, with respect to moves that transform a cluster of three 4-simplices sharing a two-dimensional face to a different cluster of the same type and having the same boundary (moves \(3\rightarrow 3\)). The construction follows the ideas developed in an earlier paper about invariants of three-manifolds [\textit{I. G. Korepanov}, J. Nonlinear Math. Phys. 8, No. 2, 196--210 (2001; Zbl 0986.57008)]. The sketch of the construction starts with a ``local'' formula, i.e., an algebraic relation corresponding to the move \(3\rightarrow 3\). It involves basic Euclidean geometric quantities (volumes, areas, angles) and is derived by locally considering infinitesimal variations of edge lengths and angles. Next, metric values are defined for simplices of an arbitrary four-manifold, using its universal covering. Finally, the passage from the local formula to its global analogue is carried out by means of matrices that relate the differential of the metric values.