On the maximum number of fixed points in automorphisms of prime order of 2-(v,k,1) designs

In this paper, we study 2-(v, k, 1) designs with automorphisms of prime orderp, having the maximum possible number of fixed points. We prove an upper bound on the number of fixed points, and we study the structure of designs in which this bound is met with equality (such a design is called ap-MFP(v, k)). Several characterizations and asymptotic existence results forp-MFP(v, k) are obtained. For (p, k)=(3,3), (5,5), (2,3) and (3,4), necessary and sufficient conditions onv are obtained for the existence of ap-MFP(v, k). Further, for 3≤k≤5 and for any primep≡1 modk(k−1), we establish necessary and sufficient conditions onv for the existence of ap-MFP(v, k).