Dissections of convex sets and homotopy types of posets (Q6344542)

Let K be a convex set in \(R^ d\), int(K)\(\neq \emptyset\). Remove a finite family of hyperplanes from \(R^ d\), then K is dissected into a family of convex parts, which is called a topological dissection of K by an arrangement of hyperplanes. A partial order is defined on the set of regions and faces of a dissection in a natural way. The authors determine the homotopy type of the topological space associated with the simplicial complex of all chains of this poset or of an interval. They compute the Möbius function of this poset and obtain a generalization of Euler's relation. The special case \(K=R^ d\) is investigated separately, and connections with the approach of \textit{T. Zaslavsky} in Mem. Am. Math. Soc. 154, 102 pp. (1975; Zbl 0296.50010) are pointed out.