On the topology of two partition posets with forbidden block sizes (Q1840487)

The partition poset \(\Pi_n\) consists of all partitions of the set \(\{1,\ldots,n\}\) into blocks, where the natural ordering is induced by refinement. The author studies two types of subcomplexes of \(\Pi_n\). For the first type \(\Pi_{n,\leq k}\) the maximal size of the blocks is restricted by \(k\), while for the second type \(\Pi_{n,\neq k}\) blocks of the fixed size \(k\) are forbidden. The order complex of \(\Pi_{n,\leq 2}\) is isomorphic to the matching complex, which was studied by \textit{S. Bouc} [J. Algebra 150, No. 1, 158-186 (1992; Zbl 0786.55005)], \textit{A. Björner, L. Lovász, S. T. Vrećica} and \textit{R. T. Živaljević} [J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 49, No. 1, 25-39 (1994; Zbl 0790.57014)], and others. For both types of complexes and for very many pairs \((n,k)\) the author determines the integral homology as well as the equivariant rational homology for the obvious action of the symmetric group. Moreover, it is proved that (the order complex of) \(\Pi_{n,\leq k}\) has the homotopy type of a wedge of spheres, provided that \(n\leq 2k+2\) or \(n=3k+2\). Similarly, \(\Pi_{n,\neq k}\) turns out to be homotopy equivalent to a wedge of spheres for \(n\leq 2k\) and \(k\geq 3\).