Locally linear representation forms (Q752558)

A representation form consists of a G-action on a homotopy sphere M such that for all \(H\leq G\), \(M^ H\) is also a homotopy sphere, possibly empty [see \textit{T. tom Dieck}, Transformation groups and representation theory (Lect. Notes Math. 766) (1979; Zbl 0445.57023)]. The authors study locally linear actions of an odd order cyclic group G on a manifold M which are representation forms. Define the dimension-function of M via (Dim M)(H)\(=\dim M^ H+1\) for \(H\leq G\). A function m on the set of subgroups of G is called a CW-dimension function if: (i) for all \(H\leq K\leq G\), m(H)\(\geq m(K)\) and m(H)\(\equiv m(K) mod 2\); and (ii) \(Iso(M)=\{H<G:\) \(m(H)>0\); \(H<K\Rightarrow m(H)>m(K)\}\) is closed under intersection. Dim M is a CW-function. The main result of the paper is the following converse: Theorem A. Let m be a CW-function such that for each pair \(H<K\), \(m(H)>2m(K)\geq 12\). Then m is the dimension function of a PL-representation form M, if and only if its restriction to any H in Iso(M) is the dimension function of a linear H-sphere. As for smooth actions, the authors prove: Theorem B. There exist PL representation forms whose dimension function cannot be realized by any smooth representation form. The authors further remark that a stronger version of Theorem A which they claimed earlier [Lect. Notes Math. 1172, 130-156 (1985; Zbl 0598.57027)] is in general false.