English

Aspherical completions and rationally inert elements

Algebraic Topology 2019-04-19 v1

Abstract

Let XX be a connected space. An element [f]πn(X)[f]\in \pi_n(X) is called rationally inert if π(X)Qπ(XfDn+1)Q\pi_*(X)\otimes \mathbb Q \to \pi_*(X\cup_fD^{n+1})\otimes \mathbb Q is surjective. We extend the results obtained in the simply connected case, and prove in particular that if XfDn+1X\cup_fD^{n+1} is a Poincar\'e duality complex and the algebra H(X)H(X) requires at least two generators then [f]πn(X)[f]\in \pi_n(X) is rationally inert. On the other hand, if XX is rationally a wedge of at least two spheres and ff is rationally non trivial, then ff is rationally inert. Finally if ff is rationally inert then the rational homotopy of the homotopy fibre of the injection XXfDn+1X \to X\cup_fD^{n+1} is the completion of a free Lie algebra.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1904.08714,
  title  = {Aspherical completions and rationally inert elements},
  author = {Yves Felix and Steve Halperin},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1904.08714},
  year   = {2019}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-23T08:43:42.667Z