Chains of saturated models in AECs

Abstract

We study when a union of saturated models is saturated in the framework of tame abstract elementary classes (AECs) with amalgamation. We prove: $\mathbf{Theorem}$ If $K$ is a tame AEC with amalgamation satisfying a natural definition of superstability (which follows from categoricity in a high-enough cardinal), then for all high-enough $\lambda$: * The union of an increasing chain of $\lambda$-saturated models is $\lambda$-saturated. * There exists a type-full good $\lambda$-frame with underlying class the saturated models of size $\lambda$. * There exists a unique limit model of size $\lambda$. Our proofs use independence calculus and a generalization of averages to this non first-order context.