W-triviality of low dimensional manifolds

arXiv2306.11685MaRDI QIDQ6440892FDOQ6440892

Authors: Aritra C Bhattacharya, Aniruddha C. Naolekar 

Publication date: 20 June 2023

Abstract: A space $X$ is $W$-trivial if for every real vector bundle $alpha$ over $X$ the total Stiefel-Whitney class $w(alpha)=1$. It follows from a result of Milnor that if $X$ is an orientable closed smooth manifold of dimension $1,2,4$ or $8$, then $X$ is not $W$-trivial. In this note we completely characterize $W$-trivial orientable closed smooth manifolds in dimensions $3,5$ and $6$. In dimension $7$, we describe necessary conditions for an orientable closed smooth $7$-manifold to be $W$-trivial.

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Characteristic classes and numbers in differential topology (57R20)

This page was built for publication: $W$-triviality of low dimensional manifolds

Report a bug (only for logged in users!)Click here to report a bug for this page (MaRDI item Q6440892)