Polynomial time solutions of some problems of computational algebra

Abstract

The first structure theory in abstract algebra was that of finite dimensional Lie algebras (Cartan-Killing), followed by the structure theory of associative algebras (Wedderburn-Artin). These theories determine, in a non-constructive way, the basic building blocks of the respective algebras (the radical and the simple components of the factor by the radical). In view of the extensive computations done in such algebras, it seems important to design efficient algorithms to find these building blocks.