Realization of a graph as the Reeb graph of a height function on an embedded surface (Q6187504)

The paper explores the problem of determining whether a finite graph can be realized as the Reeb graph of a function on a manifold. Gelbukh's investigation yields results across different function classes. Initially, she establishes that for a finite graph \(G\) without isolated vertices or loop edges, there exists a smooth embedding \(i: M \hookrightarrow \mathbb{R}^3\) of a closed orientable surface \(M\) such that the associated height function \(h: M \rightarrow \mathbb{R}\) generates a Reeb graph having the same structure as \(G\). Additionally, Gelbukh provides a criterion for a given graph \(G\) to admit such realization on a specified closed orientable surface \(M\). She further characterizes the graphs for which the height function can be chosen to be a Morse function or a round Morse-Bott function, i.e. having no isolated critical points. The author also explores the realizability problem when we allow graph equivalence up to homeomorphism. She provides a criterion for a graph \(G\) to be homeomorphic to the Reeb graph of a height function on a given closed orientable surface. Furthermore, she proves that the height function can invariably be chosen as a Morse-Bott function. Finally, she estimates the number of critical circles and critical points of the function in terms of \(G\).