Flat Hilbert cube manifold pairs (Q794030)

The concept of flatness of embeddings is sensible in both Q-manifold theory and PL manifold theory. Here the author makes a connection between these two notions, using as a bridge the idea of a QPL embedding: if M and N are PL manifolds, an embedding \(f: N\times Q\to M\times Q\) is a QPL (QPL-flat) embedding if there exists a PL (PL flat) embedding \(g: N\times I^ n\to M\times I^ m\) such that \[ f=g\times id: (N\times I^ n)\times Q_{n+1}\to(M\times I^ m)\times Q_{m+1}, \] where \(I^ i\) is the i-cell determined by the first i factors of Q and \(Q_{i+1}\) is the Hilbert cube determined by the remaining factors. After a relative version of the splitting theorem of \textit{T. A. Chapman} [Pac. J. Math. 45, 59-79 (1973; Zbl 0267.57006)] is obtained for use as a tool, the following results are established: (a) every flat compact Q-manifold pair can be triangulated by a flat PL manifold pair; (b) if N is a compact PL manifold and M is a PL manifold, a flat embedding f of \(N\times Q\) into \(M\times Q\) is isotopic to a QPL-flat embedding if and only if f is homotopic to a QPL-flat embedding; (c) if \((M,M_ 0)\) and \((N,N_ 0)\) are flat compact PL manifold pairs of the same codimension, a homeomorphism n of \((N,N_ 0)\times Q\) onto \((M,M_ 0)\times Q\) is isotopic by pairs to a QPL homeomorphism if and only if h is homotopic by pairs to a QPL homeomorphism. This last result was proved in the absolute case by \textit{T. A. Chapman} [Lect. Notes Math. 438, 122-136 (1975; Zbl 0317.57009)].