The conjugacy vector of ap-group of maximal class

We find the conjugacy vector, i.e., we determine the number of conjugacy classes which compose the sets of the elements with centralizers of equal order, for several general families ofp-groups of maximal class which include those of order up top ⁹. As a consequence, we obtain the number of conjugacy classes,r(G), for the groups in these families. Also, we provide upper and lower bounds forr(G) and characterize when they are attained. Examples are given showing that the bounds are actually attained. This work has been supported by DGICYT grant PB91-0446 and by the University of the Basque Country.