Abaci structures of \((s, ms\pm1)\)-core partitions (Q510309)

Summary: We develop a geometric approach to the study of \((s,ms-1)\)-core and \((s,ms+1)\)-core partitions through the associated \(ms\)-abaci. This perspective yields new proofs for results of \textit{H. Xiong} [Discrete Math. 339, No. 1, 308--317 (2016; Zbl 1322.05021)] and \textit{A. Straub} [Eur. J. Comb. 57, 40--49 (2016; Zbl 1339.05025)] on the enumeration of \((s, s+1)\) and \((s,ms-1)\)-core partitions with distinct parts. It also enumerates \((s, ms+1)\)-cores with distinct parts. Furthermore, we calculate the weight of the \((s, ms-1,ms+1)\)-core partition with the largest number of parts. Finally we use 2-core partitions to enumerate self-conjugate core partitions with distinct parts. The central idea is that the \(ms\)-abaci of maximal \((s,ms\pm1)\)-cores can be built up from \(s\)-abaci of \((s,s\pm 1)\)-cores in an elegant way.