Jumps in cohomology and free group actions

Abstract

A discrete group G has periodic cohomology over R if there is an element in a cohomology group cup product with which it induces an isomorphism in cohomology after a certain dimension. Adem and Smith showed that if R = Z , then this condition is equivalent to the existence of a finite dimensional free- G -CW-complex homotopy equivalent to a sphere. It has been conjectured by Olympia Talelli, that if G is also torsion-free then it must have finite cohomological dimension. In this paper we use the implied condition of jump cohomology over R to prove the conjecture for H F -groups and solvable groups. We also find necessary conditions for free and proper group actions on finite dimensional complexes homotopy equivalent to closed, orientable manifolds.