Strictly invariant submodules (Q2325682)

Given an \(R\)-module \(M\), a submodule \(K\) of \(M\) is \textit{strictly invariant} (respectively, \textit{strongly invariant}) if \(f(K)\subseteq K\) for every injective homomorphism (respectively, every homomorphism) \(f\colon K\to M\). Strongly invariant submodules were studied in a previous paper of the second author [Glasg. Math. J. 57, No. 2, 431--443 (2015; Zbl 1325.20048)]; the new notion of strictly invariant submodule, investigated in this paper starting from its basic properties, is weaker than that of strongly invariant submodule, while every strictly invariant submodule is necessary characteristic. These two implications are proved to be not invertible in general. On the other hand, the authors conjecture that when \(R=\mathbb Z\) strong invariance and strict invariance coincide, that is, every strictly invariant subgroup of an abelian group is strongly invariant. They support this conjecture by proving it in several cases. For example, the only strictly invariant subgroups of \(\mathbb Z\), of \(\mathbb Q\) and of \(\mathbb Z(p)^\mathbb N\) are the trivial ones. Moreover, the conjecture holds for any torsion subgroup and for any torsion-free subgroup of finite rank, and every strictly invariant subgroup of a separable torsion-free abelian group is strongly invariant. Further results supporting the conjecture are given by exploiting the structure of abelian groups. Finally, the abelian groups in which every subgroup is strictly invariant are proved to be exactly those in which every subgroup is strongly invariant.