Plucker-Clebsch formula in higher dimension

Abstract

Let $S\subset\Ps^r$ ($r\geq 5$) be a nondegenerate, irreducible, smooth, complex, projective surface of degree $d$. Let $\delta_S$ be the number of double points of a general projection of $S$ to $\Ps^4$. In the present paper we prove that $ \delta_S\leq{\binom {d-2} {2}}$, with equality if and only if $S$ is a rational scroll. Extensions to higher dimensions are discussed.