Multiple vector bundles: cores, splittings and decompositions

Abstract

This paper introduces $\infty$- and $n$-fold vector bundles as special functors from the $\infty$- and $n$-cube categories to the category of smooth manifolds. We study the cores and "n-pullbacks" of $n$-fold vector bundles and we prove that any $n$-fold vector bundle admits a non-canonical isomorphism to a decomposed $n$-fold vector bundle. A colimit argument then shows that $\infty$-fold vector bundles admit as well non-canonical decompositions. For the convenience of the reader, the case of triple vector bundles is discussed in detail.