Layered models for closed 3-manifolds

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new combinatorial structure for 3-manifolds that integrates existing models from Minsky and Jaco-Rubinstein, enhancing the understanding of their geometric and topological properties.

Contribution

It presents a novel layered model combining two established approaches, offering a unified framework for studying closed 3-manifolds.

Findings

Unified combinatorial structure for 3-manifolds

Connections between model manifolds and layered triangulations

Potential applications in understanding 3-manifold topology

Abstract

We define a combinatorial structure on 3-manifolds that combines the model manifolds constructed in Minsky's proof of the ending lamination conjecture with the layered triangulations defined by Jaco and Rubinstein.