The model-theoretic structure of Abelian group rings (Q762143)

This paper deals with the relations between the model theory of an abelian group ring K[G] over a field K of characteristic zero and the first order theories of K and G. The main result is that for G torsion free the transcendence degree of K (over Q) is definable in K[G] (Theorem 2.2.1). It is also proved that, for G and H torsion free, K[G]\(\equiv K[H]\) implies \(G\equiv H\). In what follows a field is called G-complete if it contains a primitive n-root of unity whenever G has an element of order n, and G-large if it has a finite algebraic extension which is G- complete. If G is torsion and K is G-large then K[G]\(\equiv F[G]\) iff \(K\equiv F\). If G is torsion and K is G-complete then K[G]\(\equiv K[H]\) iff K is H-complete, H is torsion and both groups have the same number of elements. Remark: \textit{Anne Bauval} has proved the following generalisation of Theorem 2.2.1 which covers also the case of polynomial rings: the weak second-order theory of K is (uniformly) interpretable in K[G] for every nontrivial commutative totally orderable monoid G [''Polynomial rings and weak second-order logic'', J. Symb. Logic (to appear)].