Virtual operad algebras and realization of homotopy types (Q5939820)

The author shows that the category of algebras over a cofibrant operad has a closed model structure. An algebra over a cofibrant resolution of a given operad \({\mathcal O}\) is then called a virtual algebra over \({\mathcal O}\). In particular the homotopy category of \(E_\infty\)-algebras is realised as a localisation of a closed model category. This idea is used to simplify the proof of a theorem of \textit{M. A. Mandell} [Topology 40, No. 1, 43-94 (2001; Zbl 0974.55004)], which says that certain homotopy categories of \(p\)-complete spaces are equivalent to subcategories of homotopy categories of \(E_\infty\)-algebras.