On the Ramsey Numbers of Odd-Linked Double Stars

Abstract

The linked double star $S_c(n,m)$, where $n \geq m \geq 0$, is the graph consisting of the union of two stars $K_{1,n}$ and $K_{1,m}$ with a path on $c$ vertices joining the centers. Its ramsey number $r(S_c(n,m))$ is the smallest integer $r$ such that every $2$-coloring of the edges of a $K_r$ admits a monochromatic $S_c(n,m)$. In this paper, we study the ramsey numbers of linked double stars when $c$ is odd. In particular, we establish bounds on the value of $r(S_c(n,m))$ and determine the exact value of $r(S_c(n,m))$ if $n \geq c$, or if $n \leq \lfloor \frac{c}{2} \rfloor - 2$ and $m = 2$.