On Tensor Products of Simple Modules for Simple Groups

In an attempt to get some information on the multiplicative structure of the Green ring we study algebraic modules for simple groups, and associated groups such as quasisimple and almost-simple groups. We prove that, for almost all groups of Lie type in defining characteristic, the natural module is non-algebraic. For alternating and symmetric groups, we prove that the simple modules in p-blocks with defect groups of order p ² are algebraic, for p?≤?5. Finally, we analyze nine sporadic groups, finding that all simple modules are algebraic for various primes and sporadic groups.