S-functions for graphs

Abstract

S-functions are mappings from the class of finite graphs into the set of integers, such that certain formal conditions are fulfilled which are shared by the chromatic number, the vertex-connectivity, and the homomorphism-degree. The S-functions form a complete lattice (with respect to their natural partial order). The classes of graphs with values <n under some S-function are studied from a general point of view, and uncountably many S-functions are constructed. Further for every n≥5 a non-trivial base-element of (see K. WAGNER [7]) is constructed.