Topology of iterated \(S^{1}\)-bundles (Q2435296)

Let us consider \(X_n \longrightarrow X_{n-1} \longrightarrow \cdots \longrightarrow X_1 \longrightarrow X_0\) an iterated \(S^1\)-bundle of height \(n\), where \(X_n\) is a closed aspherical manifold of dimension \(n\). This paper concerns the investigation of what kind of manifolds can be the total spaces of an iterated \(S^1\)-bundle. The first result proved by the authors is that the total space \(X_n\) of an iterated \(S^1\)-bundle of height \(n\) contains a nilpotent normal subgroup of index \(2^{n-1}\) in its fundamental group and then \(X_n\) is homeomorphic to an infra-nilmanifold. If the projectification of a plane bundle is considered, called an \(\mathbb{R}P^1\)-bundle, one has that an iterated \(\mathbb{R}P^1\)-bundle is an iterated \(S^1\)-bundle. In the particular case where every plane bundle used for that is a Whitney sum of two line bundles, the iterated \(\mathbb{R}P^1\)-bundle is called a real Bott tower and the total space \(X_n\) is called a real Bott manifold. The second main result of this well written paper guarantees that if the total space of an iterated \(\mathbb{R}P^1\)-bundle is homeomorphic to a closed flat Riemannian manifold, then it is homeomorphic to a real Bott manifold. Also a classification of isomorphism classes of possible fundamental groups of the total spaces of iterated \(S^1\)-bundles of height \(3\) is obtained and that these isomorphism classes can be realized by iterated \(S^1\)-bundles of height \(3\).