Homotopy representations over the orbit category (Q2263825)

\textit{T. tom Dieck} introduced the concept of homotopy representation in transformation group theory, [Transformation groups. De Gruyter Studies in Mathematics, 8. Berlin-York: Walter de Gruyter (1987; Zbl 0611.57002)], meaning a \(G\)-equivariant CW-complex whose fixed points under the action of subgroups of \(G\) are homotopy equivalent to spheres. The dimension of these spheres defines a so-called super class function on the set of subgroups of~\(G\), which satisfies certain properties such as being monotone (if \(H < K\), then \(X^H\) is a higher dimensional sphere than \(X^K\)). The algebraic analogue is that of an algebraic homotopy representation, i.e. a finite projective chain complex \(\mathbf C\) over the orbit category \(\Gamma_G\), with respect to a ring \(R\) and a family of subgroups \(\mathcal F\), such that \(\mathbf C(K)\) is an \(R\)-homology sphere of dimension \(\underline{n}(K)\); the function \(\underline{n}\) must satisfy the above mentioned topological properties. In general \(\underline{n}(K)\) is smaller than the dimension of the complex \(\mathbf C(K)\). If the equality holds, for each subgroup \(K\), the complex is called tight. It is understood that fixed points for subgroups outside \(\mathcal F\) are empty, that is, \(\underline{n}(K) = -1\). Motivated by realization questions, the authors prove that a finite chain complex of free \(R\Gamma_G\)-modules \(\mathbf C\) that is an \(R\)-homology \(\underline{n}\)-sphere for a conjugation invariant function \(\underline{n}\) is chain homotopy equivalent to a tight free chain complex if and only if it is an algebraic homotopy representation. Together with a previous result from [\textit{I. Hambleton} et al., Comment. Math. Helv. 88, No. 2, 369--425 (2013; Zbl 1272.57027)] this allows one to realize any algebraic homotopy representation for which \(\underline{n}(K) \geq 3\) for any \(K \in \mathcal F\), as the chain complex of a homotopy representation.