Embedding Problems for Graphs and Hypergraphs

This thesis deals with the problem of finding some substructure within a large graph or hypergraph. In the case of graphs, we consider the substructures consisting of fixed subgraphs or families of subgraphs, perfect graph packings and spanning subgraphs. In the case of hypergraphs we consider the substructure consisting of a hypergraph whose order is linear in the order of the large hypergraph. I will show how these problems are extensions of more basic and well-known results in graph theory. I will give full proofs of three new embedding results, two for graphs and one for hypergraphs. I will also discuss the regularity lemma for graphs and hypergraphs, an important tool which underpins these and many similar embedding results. Finally, I will also discuss graph and hypergraph Ramsey numbers, since two of the embedding results have important applications to Ramsey numbers which improve upon previously known results.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

d_ph

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

d_ph

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Birmingham

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Cooley, Oliver Josef Nikolaus

• QA Mathematics