Free actions on products of spheres: The rational case (Q1812967)

Let \(X=S^ n_ 1\times...\times S^ n_ k\) be a product of spheres and G a finite group. Given an action of G on the rational cohomology ring \(H^*(X;{\mathbb{Q}})\) we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the action to be represented geometrically in the following sense: Is there a free G-action on some closed manifold M having the rational homotopy type of X, inducing the specified action on cohomology? There are basically two obstructions: a rational finiteness obstruction which we phrase in terms of the Lefschetz Fixed Point Theorem and a rational surgery obstruction. If \(n=\dim X\) is even the rational surgery obstruction is that the equivariant rational intersection form is hyperbolic, while if n is odd the rational equivariant semicharacteristic is restricted. The necessary conditions give new restrictions on free G- actions on X itself. We also include a discussion on when a space with finite fundamental group has the rational homotopy type of a manifold.