Shellable complexes and topology of diagonal arrangements (Q958218)

Diagonal arrangements in \(\mathbb{R}^n\) are considered. The authors are interested in the topology of special structures, complements and singularity links, associated to diagonal arrangements. Some known results on the subject are phrased in terms of intersection lattices of arrangements, [see \textit{G. M. Ziegler} and \textit{R. T. Živaljević}, Math. Ann. 295, No.~3, 527--548 (1993; Zbl 0792.55002)]. The goal is to find sufficient conditions for intersection lattices to be well behaved. The main result is tje following (cf. \textit{A. Björner} and \textit{M. L. Wachs} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 348, No.~4, 1299--1327 (1996; Zbl 0857.05102)], \textit{A. Björner} and \textit{V. Welker} [Adv. Math. 110, No.~2, 277--313 (1995; Zbl 0845.57020)], \textit{D. N. Kozlov} [J. Comb. Theory, Ser. A 86, No.~1, 169--176 (1999; Zbl 0924.05049)]). Theorem. Let \(\Delta\) be a shellable simplicial complex in \(\mathbb{R}^n\). Then the intersection lattice \(L_\Delta\) for the diagonal arrangement \(A_\Delta\) associated to \(\Delta\) is homotopy equivalent to a wedge of spheres. Moreover, the authors describe precisely the spheres in the wedge, based on the shelling data. Besides they present an example, which shows that the intersection lattice \(L_\Delta\) in the theorem is not shellable in general. Another example demonstrates that there are nonshellable simplicial complexes whose intersection lattices are shellable. Finally the authors construct some examples in which the complemets of arrangements are \(K(\pi,1)\).