A numerical criterion for simultaneous normalization (Q2496933)

Let \(f:X\to Y\) be a scheme map, flat with all fibres geometrically reduced. A simultaneous normalization of \(f\) is a finite map \(v:Z\to X\) such that \(\bar{f}:=f\circ v\) is flat with all fibres geometrically normal and such that for each \(y\in f(X)\) the induced map of fibres \(v_y:\bar{f}^{-1}(y)\to f^{-1} (y)\) is a normalization map. The main result is that a flat family \(f:X\to Y\) of reduced equidimensional projective \(\mathbb C\)-varieties with normal parameter space admits a simultaneous normalization if and only if the Hilbert polynomial of the integral closure \(\overline{\mathcal O}_{f^{-1}(y)}\) is locally independent of \(y\). In case the fibres are curves projectivity is not needed and the statement reduces to the \(\delta\)-constant criterion of Teissier.