Vector Invariants of Symmetric Groups

Abstract

AbstractLet M be a free module of rank n over a commutative ring R with unit and let Σn denote the symmetric group acting on a fixed basis of M in the usual way. Let Mm denote the direct sum of m copies of M and let S be the symmetric ring of Mm over R. Then each element of Σn acts diagonally on Mm and consequently on S; denote by Xn the subgroup of Gl(Mm) so defined. The ring of invariants, SΣn, is called the ring of vector invariants by H. Weyl [ 3, Chapter II, p. 27] when R = Q. In this paper a set of generators valid over any ring R is given. This set of generators is somewhat larger than Weyl's. It is interesting to note that, over the integers, his algebra and SΣn have the same Hilbert-Poincaré series, are equal after tensoring with the rationals, and have the same fraction fields, although they are not equal.