Shellability and sphericity of finite quasi-arc complexes (Q1745204)

In this article the author studies quasi-arc complexes. These are like simplicial complexes but here vertices correspond to quasi-arcs and maximal simplices correspond to quasi-triangulations. Among other results, the author proves that a finite quasi-arc complex is shellable and so is homeomorphic to the sphere. The author shows that \(Arc(n\text{-gon})\) and \(Arc(C_{n,0})\) are shellable PL-spheres. It is proved that the quasi-arc complex, \(Arc(M_n)\), of the Möbius strip is a shellable polytope. In general quasi-arc complexes of non-orientable surfaces are discussed. Many diagrams are given to illustrate various points. A historical background and connections of quasi-arc complexes with other fields are also given which may be helpful for further study of these objects.