Principle Fibre: Definition & Examples

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    Fibre Principle
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of a 'typical fibre' in the context of fibre bundles, exploring its definition and implications within topology and mathematics. Participants seek clarification on the meaning and significance of the typical fibre, as well as its relationship to the properties of fibre bundles, particularly local triviality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the term 'typical fibre' and suggests it might represent all fibres in a bundle, drawing a parallel to representation elements in group theory.
  • Another participant mentions that all fibres are homeomorphic, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the term's implications.
  • A participant explains that the typical fibre is related to the property of local triviality and provides a formal definition involving homeomorphisms between the fibre and a fixed topological space.
  • There is a suggestion that a typo exists in the explanation, where 'V' should be replaced with 'F' to accurately represent the typical fibre.
  • One participant acknowledges the definition and references an article where the term is used, indicating a desire for further context.
  • Another participant clarifies that fibres are sets of the form \(\pi^{-1}(b)\) and emphasizes that every fibre is homeomorphic or diffeomorphic to 'F', suggesting that 'F' is the true typical fibre.
  • A participant expresses frustration with the complexity of the topic but ultimately thanks others for their assistance, indicating a clearer understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the definition and implications of the typical fibre. While some clarify and build upon each other's points, there remains uncertainty about the terminology and its precise meaning within the context of fibre bundles.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions and potential misunderstandings regarding the definitions of fibres and typical fibres. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with the underlying mathematical concepts.

RoboticMezon
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Hello everyone!

I'm fully aware of the complete and utter stupidity if this question, but I am also aware about how unable I am to find any text in which this is explained so that even yours truly can understand. (In fact, I have found NOTHING so far...another proof of my lack of mental processes?...Who knows! :) )

What is a fibre bundle's 'typical fibre'?

Am I right in inferring from the name that it is one fibre of the bundle which 'represents', as it were, all the rest? Something like a representation element of an orbit in a group? Or am I more stupid than I had originally thought? (I would find that amazing...I doubt you can get stupider... :) :) )

(Seriously, at our uni they toss up new terms without thinking that they should, perhaps, maybe, be explained.)

Thanks in advance!

4R
 
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RoboticMezon said:
Hello everyone!

I'm fully aware of the complete and utter stupidity if this question, but I am also aware about how unable I am to find any text in which this is explained so that even yours truly can understand. (In fact, I have found NOTHING so far...another proof of my lack of mental processes?...Who knows! :) )

What is a fibre bundle's 'typical fibre'?

Am I right in inferring from the name that it is one fibre of the bundle which 'represents', as it were, all the rest? Something like a representation element of an orbit in a group? Or am I more stupid than I had originally thought? (I would find that amazing...I doubt you can get stupider... :) :) )

(Seriously, at our uni they toss up new terms without thinking that they should, perhaps, maybe, be explained.)

Thanks in advance!

4R


not sure what a typical fiber means - but all of the fibers are homeomorphic -

Where did you read this?
 
Well, do you know the definition of a fiber bundle? The typical fiber is related to the property going under the name "local triviality". Let E\stackrel{\pi}{\rightarrow}M be a bundle over the manifold M, and let U\subset M be an open set. Furthermore let V be a (fixed) topological space (vectorspace for vectorbundles).

The bundle is locally trivial if there is a homeomorphism \phi:\pi^{-1}(U)\rightarrow U\times V such that
FiberBundle-01.png

commutes. So each fiber is in some sense "identical" to the topological space V, and therefore it is the "typical fiber".
 
element4 said:
Well, do you know the definition of a fiber bundle? The typical fiber is related to the property going under the name "local triviality". Let E\stackrel{\pi}{\rightarrow}M be a bundle over the manifold M, and let U\subset M be an open set. Furthermore let V be a (fixed) topological space (vectorspace for vectorbundles).

The bundle is locally trivial if there is a homeomorphism \phi:\pi^{-1}(U)\rightarrow U\times V such that
FiberBundle-01.png

commutes. So each fiber is in some sense "identical" to the topological space V, and therefore it is the "typical fiber".

that's what I said.
 
element4 said:
Well, do you know the definition of a fiber bundle? The typical fiber is related to the property going under the name "local triviality". Let E\stackrel{\pi}{\rightarrow}M be a bundle over the manifold M, and let U\subset M be an open set. Furthermore let V be a (fixed) topological space (vectorspace for vectorbundles).

The bundle is locally trivial if there is a homeomorphism \phi:\pi^{-1}(U)\rightarrow U\times V such that
FiberBundle-01.png

commutes. So each fiber is in some sense "identical" to the topological space V, and therefore it is the "typical fiber".

There is a typo here, replace V with F, and then F is the typical fiber.

lavinia said:
that's what I said.

Sorry, I wasn't contradicting you. Just giving a few more details, in order to show precisely what people call the typical fiber.
 
element4 said:
Well, do you know the definition of a fiber bundle? The typical fiber is related to the property going under the name "local triviality". Let E\stackrel{\pi}{\rightarrow}M be a bundle over the manifold M, and let U\subset M be an open set. Furthermore let V be a (fixed) topological space (vectorspace for vectorbundles).

The bundle is locally trivial if there is a homeomorphism \phi:\pi^{-1}(U)\rightarrow U\times V such that
FiberBundle-01.png

commutes. So each fiber is in some sense "identical" to the topological space V, and therefore it is the "typical fiber".

Yes, I'm aware of the definition, thank you. :)

Actually, its used in an article I've read in the very beginning under the 'Theoretical Background' section; right in the second sentence of this section. I think I can give you the link:

http://arxiv.org/abs/1012.4662"

Thanks a bunch for your help!

4R
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Note that the fibers are sets of the form \pi^{-1}(b), where b is a member of the base space. The definition implies that every fiber is homeomorphic or diffeomorphic to F. (Homeomorphic if we're dealing with topological spaces, diffeomorphic if we're dealing with manifolds). So if anything deserves to be called "the typical fiber", it's F.
 
Fredrik said:
Note that the fibers are sets of the form \pi^{-1}(b), where b is a member of the base space. The definition implies that every fiber is homeomorphic or diffeomorphic to F. (Homeomorphic if we're dealing with topological spaces, diffeomorphic if we're dealing with manifolds). So if anything deserves to be called "the typical fiber", it's F.

*headdesk*


I just knew it was going to be 'trivial'. :redface:

Thank you so much for your help!
It's a clear as day now, or would be if it wasn't raining...
:smile:
 

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