Torsion Elements and the Classification of Vector Bundles

Abstract

There are many situations in algebraic topology when a geometric construction is possible if, and only if, a certain integral cohomology class, an obstruction is zero. When attempts are made to compute the obstruction, it often happens that it is relatively easy to show that m times the obstruction is zero, where m is an integer, and consequently the geometric construction is possible if the cohomology group in question has no elements of order m.