Related papers: Gordian Unknots
In math.GT/0002110 the author's Theorems 1.1 and 1.2, combined, implied that iterated torus knots are transversally simple. This result is in error and this erratum pin points the error. In "An addendum on iterated torus knots" a more…
The ropelength of a knot is the minimum contour length of a tube of unit radius that traces out the knot in three dimensional space without self-overlap, colloquially the minimum amount of rope needed to tie a given knot. Theoretical upper…
In this note, we attempt to find counterexamples to the conjecture that the ideal form of a knot, that which minimizes its contour length while respecting a no-overlap constraint, also minimizes the volume of the knot, as determined by its…
For $p\geq 1$ one can define a generalization of the unknotting number $tu_p$ called the $p$th untwisting number which counts the number of null-homologous twists on at most $2p$ strands required to convert the knot to the unknot. We show…
In Theorem 1.2 of the paper math.GT/0002110 the author claimed to have proved that all transversal knots whose topological knot type is that of an iterated torus knot (we call them cable knots) are transversally simple. That theorem is…
It is known that any surface knot can be transformed to an unknotted surface knot or a surface knot which has a diagram with no triple points by a finite number of 1-handle additions. The minimum number of such 1-handles is called the…
We give lower bounds for the Gordian distance and the unknotting number of handlebody-knots by using Alexander biquandle colorings. We construct handlebody-knots with Gordian distance $n$ and unknotting number $n$ for any positive integer…
We examine computer experiments that can be performed to understand the dynamics of knots under self-repulsion. In the course of specific computer exploration we use the knot theory of rational knots and rational tangles to produce classes…
We show that any non-minimal bridge decomposition of a torus knot is stabilized and that $n$-bridge decompositions of a torus knot are unique for any integer $n$. This implies that a knot in a bridge position is a torus knot if and only if…
We develop a theoretical description of the topological disentanglement occurring when torus knots reach the ends of a semi-flexible polymer under tension. These include decays into simpler knots and total unknotting. The minimal number of…
We prove the fractal crumpled structure of collapsed unknotted polymer ring. In this state the polymer chain forms a system of densely packed folds, mutually separated in all scales. The proof is based on the numerical and analytical…
We study a local twist move on welded knots that is an analog of the virtualization move on virtual knots. Since this move is an unknotting operation we define an invariant, unknotting twist number, for welded knots. We relate the…
We consider the problem of deciding whether a polygonal knot in 3-dimensional Euclidean space is unknotted, capable of being continuously deformed without self-intersection so that it lies in a plane. We show that this problem, {\sc…
We study Legendrian knots in a cabled knot type. Specifically, given a topological knot type K, we analyze the Legendrian knots in knot types obtained from K by cabling, in terms of Legendrian knots in the knot type K. As a corollary of…
For a polygonal knot K, it is shown that a tube of radius R(K), the polygonal thickness radius, is an embedded torus. Given a thick configuration K, perturbations of size r<R(K) define satellite structures, or local knotting. We explore…
Given a knot in the three-sphere, is it possible to unknot it by performing a single twist, and if so, what are the possible linking numbers of such a twist? We develop obstructions to unknotting using a twist of a specified linking number.…
A 1-tangle is a properly embedded arc $\psi$ in an unknotted solid torus $V$ in $S^3$. Attaching an arc $\phi$ in the complementary solid torus $W$ to its endpoints creates a knot $K(\phi)$ called the closure of $\psi$. We show that for a…
We present new computations of approximately length-minimizing polygons with fixed thickness. These curves model the centerlines of "tight" knotted tubes with minimal length and fixed circular cross-section. Our curves approximately…
Region crossing change for a knot or a proper link is an unknotting operation. In this paper, we provide a sharp upper bound on the region unknotting number for a large class of torus knots and proper links. Also, we discuss conditions on…
The forbidden moves can be combined with Gauss diagram Reidemeister moves to obtain move sequences with which we may change any Gauss diagram (and hence any virtual knot) into any other, including in particular the unknotted diagram