Bistellar Cluster Algebras and Piecewise Linear Invariants

Abstract

Inspired by the ideas and techniques used in the study of cluster algebras we construct a new class of algebras, called bistellar cluster algebras, from closed oriented triangulated even-dimensional manifolds by performing middle-dimensional bistellar moves. This class of algebras exhibit the algebraic behaviour of middle-dimensional bistellar moves but do not satisfy the classical cluster algebra axiom: "every cluster variable in every cluster is exchangeable". Thus the construction of bistellar cluster algebras is quite different from that of a classical cluster algebra. Secondly, using bistellar cluster algebras and the techniques of combinatorial topology, we construct a direct system associated with a set of PL homeomorphic PL manifolds of dimension 2 or 4, and show that the limit of this direct system is a PL invariant.