Inhaltsangabe
This book is an introduction to combinatorial torsions of cellular spaces and manifolds with special emphasis on torsions of 3-dimensional manifolds. The first two chapters cover algebraic foundations of the theory of torsions and various topological constructions of torsions due to K. Reidemeister, J.H.C. Whitehead, J. Milnor and the author. We also discuss connections between the torsions and the Alexander polynomials of links and 3-manifolds. The third (and last) chapter of the book deals with so-called refined torsions and the related additional structures on manifolds, specifically homological orientations and Euler structures. As an application, we give a construction of the multivariable Conway polynomial of links in homology 3-spheres. At the end of the book, we briefly describe the recent results of G. Meng, C.H. Taubes and the author on the connections between the refined torsions and the Seiberg-Witten invariant of 3-manifolds. The exposition is aimed at students, professional mathematicians and physicists interested in combinatorial aspects of topology and/or in low dimensional topology. The necessary background for the reader includes the elementary basics of topology and homological algebra.
Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor
Charlotte y Peter Fiell son dos autoridades en historia, teoría y crítica del diseño y han escrito más de sesenta libros sobre la materia, muchos de los cuales se han convertido en éxitos de ventas. También han impartido conferencias y cursos como profesores invitados, han comisariado exposiciones y asesorado a fabricantes, museos, salas de subastas y grandes coleccionistas privados de todo el mundo. Los Fiell han escrito numerosos libros para TASCHEN, entre los que se incluyen 1000 Chairs, Diseño del siglo XX, El diseño industrial de la A a la Z, Scandinavian Design y Diseño del siglo XXI.
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