GRADIENT-LIKE FLOWS ON 3-MANIFOLDS

In this paper, we determine properties that a Lyapunov graph must satisfy for it to be associated with a gradient-like flow on a closed orientable three-manifold. We also address the question of the realization of abstract Lyapunov graphs as gradient-like flows on three-manifolds and as a byproduct we prove a partial converse to the theorem which states the Morse inequalities for closed orientable three-manifolds. We also present cancellation theorems of non-degenerate critical points for flows which arise as realizations of canonical abstract Lyapunov graphs.