The Kruskal-Katona Theorem and a Characterization of System Signatures
2015 ◽
Vol 52
(02)
◽
pp. 508-518
◽
Keyword(s):
We show how to determine if a given vector can be the signature of a system on a finite number of components and, if so, exhibit such a system in terms of its structure function. The method employs combinatorial results from the theory of (finite) simplicial complexes, and provides a full characterization of signature vectors using a theorem of Kruskal (1963) and Katona (1968). We also show how the same approach can provide new combinatorial proofs of further results, e.g. that the signature vector of a system cannot have isolated zeroes. Finally, we prove that a signature with all nonzero entries must be a uniform distribution.
2015 ◽
Vol 52
(2)
◽
pp. 508-518
◽
2015 ◽
Vol 52
(02)
◽
pp. 508-518
◽
1993 ◽
Vol 268
(24)
◽
pp. 18259-18266
Keyword(s):