Euler classes of vector bundles over manifolds

Abstract

Abstract Let 𝓔 k denote the set of diffeomorphism classes of closed connected smooth k-manifolds X with the property that for any oriented vector bundle α over X, the Euler class e(α) = 0. We show that if X ∈ 𝓔2n+1 is orientable, then X is a rational homology sphere and π 1(X) is perfect. We also show that 𝓔8 = ∅ and derive additional cohomlogical restrictions on orientable manifolds in 𝓔 k .