| Abstract: | Abstract Let (R, 𝔪) be a Noetherian local ring and let Ibe an R-ideal. Inspired by the work of Hübl and Huneke, we look for conditions that guarantee the Cohen-Macaulayness of the special fiber ring ? = ?/𝔪? of I, where ? denotes the Rees algebra of I. Our key idea is to require ‘good’ intersection properties as well as ‘few’ homogeneous generating relations in low degrees. In particular, if Iis a strongly Cohen-Macaulay R-ideal with G ?and the expected reduction number, we conclude that ? is always Cohen-Macaulay. We also obtain a characterization of the Cohen-Macaulayness of ?/K? for any 𝔪-primary ideal K. This result recovers a well-known criterion of Valabrega and Valla whenever K = I. Furthermore, we study the relationship between the Cohen-Macaulay property of the special fiber ring ? and the Cohen-Macaulay property of the Rees algebra ? and the associated graded ring 𝒢 of I. Finally, we focus on the integral closedness of 𝔪I. The latter question is motivated by the theory of evolutions. |
