Combinatorial Topology


combinatorial topology

[kəm‚bī·nə′tȯr·ē·əl tə′päl·ə·jē] (mathematics) The study of polyhedrons, simplicial complexes, and generalizations of these. Also known as piecewise linear topology.

Combinatorial Topology

 

the branch of topology that studies topological properties of geometric figures by decomposing them into more elementary figures (a relevant example is the technique of subdividing polyhedra into simplexes) or by covering them with systems of sets. This method can be applied, as has been shown primarily by Soviet scientists, under the broadest assumptions regarding the figures being studied.

REFERENCES

Aleksandrov, P. S. Kombinatornaia topologiia. Moscow-Leningrad, 1947.
Pontriagin, L. S. Osnovy kombinatornoi topologii. Moscow-Leningrad, 1947.