Simplicial manifold: Difference between revisions
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==A manifold made out of simplices== |
==A manifold made out of simplices== |
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A simplicial manifold is a [[simplicial complex]] for which the [[geometric realization]] is [[homeomorphic]] to a [[topological manifold]]. |
A simplicial manifold is a [[simplicial complex]] for which the [[geometric realization]] is [[homeomorphic]] to a [[topological manifold]]. |
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This means that a [[neighborhood (mathematics)|neighborhood]] of each vertex (i.e. the set of [[simplices]] that contain that point as a vertex) is [[homeomorphic]] to a ''n''-dimensional [[ball (mathematics)|ball]]. |
This means that a [[neighborhood (mathematics)|neighborhood]] of each vertex (i.e. the set of [[simplex|simplices]] that contain that point as a vertex) is [[homeomorphic]] to a ''n''-dimensional [[ball (mathematics)|ball]]. |
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This notion of simplicial manifold is important in [[Regge calculus]] and [[causal dynamical triangulation]]s as a way to discretize [[spacetime]] by [[triangulation|triangulating]] it. A simplicial manifold with a metric is called a [[piecewise linear space]]. |
This notion of simplicial manifold is important in [[Regge calculus]] and [[causal dynamical triangulation]]s as a way to discretize [[spacetime]] by [[triangulation|triangulating]] it. A simplicial manifold with a metric is called a [[piecewise linear space]]. |
Revision as of 00:58, 2 March 2008
In mathematics, the term simplicial manifold commonly refers to either of two different types of objects.
A manifold made out of simplices
A simplicial manifold is a simplicial complex for which the geometric realization is homeomorphic to a topological manifold. This means that a neighborhood of each vertex (i.e. the set of simplices that contain that point as a vertex) is homeomorphic to a n-dimensional ball.
This notion of simplicial manifold is important in Regge calculus and causal dynamical triangulations as a way to discretize spacetime by triangulating it. A simplicial manifold with a metric is called a piecewise linear space.
A simplicial object built from manifolds
A simplicial manifold is a simplicial object in the category of manifolds. This is a special case of a simplicial space in which, for each n , the space of n-simplices is a manifold.
For example, if G is a Lie group, then the simplicial nerve of G has the manifold as its space of n-simplices. More generally, G can be a Lie groupoid.