Handle decompositions of 3-manifolds allows you to simplify the original
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
Kirby calculus — In mathematics, the Kirby calculus in geometric topology is a method for modifying framed links in the 3 sphere using a finite set of moves, the Kirby moves. It is named for Robion Kirby. Using four dimensional Cerf theory, he proved that if M… … Wikipedia
Cobordism — A cobordism (W;M,N). In mathematics, cobordism is a fundamental equivalence relation on the class of compact manifolds of the same dimension, set up using the concept of the boundary of a manifold. Two manifolds are cobordant if their disjoint… … Wikipedia
Morse theory — Morse function redirects here. In another context, a Morse function can also mean an anharmonic oscillator: see Morse potential In differential topology, the techniques of Morse theory give a very direct way of analyzing the topology of a… … Wikipedia
Trigenus — In low dimensional topology, the trigenus is an invariant consisting of a triplet:(g 1,g 2,g 3) assigned to closed 3 manifolds. The definition is by minimizing the genera of three orientable handle bodies mdash; with no intersection between their … Wikipedia
Surgery theory — In mathematics, specifically in geometric topology, surgery theory is a collection of techniques used to produce one manifold from another in a controlled way, introduced by Milnor (1961). Surgery refers to cutting out parts of the manifold… … Wikipedia
Open book decomposition — In mathematics, an open book decomposition (or simply an open book) is a decomposition of a closed oriented 3 manifold M into a union of surfaces (necessarily with boundary) and solid tori. Open books have relevance to contact geometry, with a… … Wikipedia
Manifold — For other uses, see Manifold (disambiguation). The sphere (surface of a ball) is a two dimensional manifold since it can be represented by a collection of two dimensional maps. In mathematics (specifically in differential geometry and topology),… … Wikipedia
CW complex — In topology, a CW complex is a type of topological space introduced by J. H. C. Whitehead to meet the needs of homotopy theory. This class of spaces is broader and has some better categorical properties than simplicial complexes, but still… … Wikipedia
James W. Cannon — (b. January 30, 1943) is an American mathematician working in the areas of low dimensional topology and geometric group theory. He is an Orson Pratt Professor of Mathematics at the Brigham Young University.Biographical dataJames W. Cannon was… … Wikipedia
