Simplicial Ricci flow: an example of a neck pinch singularity in 3D (Q2345753)

Simplicial Ricci flow (SRF) has been introduced recently via Regge calculus in prior work involving a subgroup of the authors here. The Regge calculus made it possible to define the discrete representation of Hamilton's Ricci flow equation on the edges of a piecewise flat simplicial geometry. In the present paper, the authors are studying a type-I neck pinch singularity of the SRF for a piecewise flat simplicial \(3\)D geometry with an \(S^3\) topology and an axis of symmetry. By choosing a specific radial profile of the Angenent-Knopf neck pinch model, the SRF on a relatively coarse approximation of the dumbbell geometry is compared with the finite-difference solution of the continuum Angenent-Knopf Ricci flow equations. It is shown that, under a suitably-pinched initial geometry, the SRF equations for such a discrete geometry yield the canonical type-I neck pinch singularity found in the corresponding smooth Ricci flow case. A detailed description of the discrete approximation considered here, as well as many technical remarks about the suitability of such a model and further possible generalizations, are extremely illuminating toward potential use of SRF to a rich spectrum of applications.