An obstruction to embedding 2-dimensional complexes into the 3-sphere (Q896826)

The work of this paper is in the piecewise linear category. Every finite \(n\)-dimensional complex embeds into \(\mathbb R^{2n+1}\) and there is an obstruction to embedding into \(\mathbb R^{2n}\). This paper, restricted to certain finite 2-complexes that are constructed by means of surfaces, brings some sufficient conditions that such a complex can not be embedded into the 3-sphere. To describe such complexes take \(i\) half planes and glue them along their boundaries and denote by \(S_i\) the obtained space. Now, \(X\) is called a multibranched surface if it contains a disjoint union of simple closed curves \(l_1,\dots,l_n\) (branches) such that: {\parindent=6mm \begin{itemize} \item[(\(\ast\))] For \(x\in l_1 \cup \dots\cup l_n\) there exists an open neighborhood \(U\) of \(x\) and \(i\) such that \(U\) is homeomorphic to \(S_i\); \item[(\(\ast\))] For \(x\in X\setminus (l_1 \cup \dots\cup l_n)\) there exists an open neighborhood \(U\) of \(x\) such that \(U\) is homeomorphic to \(\mathbb R^2\). \end{itemize}} Components of \(X\setminus (l_1 \cup \dots\cup l_n)\) denoted by \(e_i\), are sectors. (The simplest example is the 2-sphere; \(l_1\)= equator and sectors are hemispheres). Then the algebraic degree \(a{e_i}(l_j)\) of an oriented sector \(e_i\) is introduced and an oriented branch \(l_j\) as an element of \(H_1(l_j,\mathbb Z)\) induced by the inclusion of \(\bar{e}_i\) into \(X\). For a fixed circular permutation of sectors on each branch, in two steps the abstract dual graph \(G_X\) is constructed. Let \(T\) be the spanning tree of \(G_X\). Then the \(m\times n\) matrix \(A_T= (ad_{{e}_t}(l_j))\) is defined where \(m\) is the first Betti number of \(G_X\) and \(n\) is the number of branches of \(X\). This is then used to formulate conditions under which a connected, compact, orientable multibranched \(X\) cannot be embedded into the 3-sphere: If for each abstract dual graph \(G_X\) of \(X\), one of the following conditions (1) and (2) holds, then \(X\) cannot be embedded into the 3-sphere {\parindent=6mm \begin{itemize} \item[(1)] \(m>n\). \item[(2)] \(m\leq n\) and there exists a spanning tree \(T\) of \(G_X\) such that the greatest common divisor of all \(m\)-minor determinants of the algebraic degree matrix \(A_T\) is greater than 1. \end{itemize}} An example that illustrates the results obtained is the real projective plane. In continuation so called critical multibranched surfaces are studied.