Cobordisms of fold maps and maps with prescribed number of cusps

Abstract

A generic smooth map of a closed $2k$-manifold into $(3k-1)$-space has a finite number of cusps ($Σ^{1,1}$-singularities). We determine the possible numbers of cusps of such maps. A fold map is a map with singular set consisting of only fold singularities ($Σ^{1,0}$-singularities). Two fold maps are fold bordant if there are cobordisms between their source- and target manifolds with a fold map extending the two maps between the boundaries, if the two targets agree and the target cobordism can be taken as a product with a unit interval then the maps are fold cobordant. We compute the cobordism groups of fold maps of $(2k-1)$-manifolds into $(3k-2)$-space. Analogous cobordism semi-groups for arbitrary closed $(3k-2)$-dimensional target manifolds are endowed with Abelian group structures and described. Fold bordism groups in the same dimensions are described as well.