On the topology of the Reeb graph (Q6548045)

In this paper, some new properties of the Reeb graph of a continuous function acting on a topological space are being obtained. Section 1, with an introductory character, is mainly devoted to a short description of the main results to be stated and proved. In Section 2, a lot of motivating examples are given, to show that the Reeb graph of a function need not have a graph-like structure. Further, in Section 3, some notions necessary for the study of the Reeb quotient space of a continuous function on a topological space are being introduced: locally connected spaces, Hausdorff continuum, normal spaces and the covering dimension, saturated sets. The main objective of Section 4 is to study the Reeb space of a function on a Peano continuum. The following basic result established there is to be noted.\par \textbf{Theorem.} Let \(X\) be a Peano continuum, \(Y\) be a regular Hausdorff first countable space, \(f:X\to Y\) a continuous function, \(R_f\) its Reeb space, and \(\varphi:X\to R_f\) the Reeb quotient map. Then,\par (1) \(R_f\) is a Peano continuum\par (2) \(\varphi\) is a closed proper continuous map. \par Sections 5 and 6, with an auxiliary character, are devoted to certain topologies of a quotient space, and, respectively, to the discussion of certain facts needed for the application of obtained results to manifolds. Finally, Section 7 is devoted to the study of Reeb graph of a smooth function acting on a closed manifold. \par Further aspects occasioned by these developments are also discussed.