Representations of virtual braids by automorphisms and virtual knot groups

Abstract: In the present paper the representation of the virtual braid group $VB_n$ into the automorphism group of free product of the free group and free abelian group is constructed. This representation generalizes the previously constructed ones. The fact that these already known representations are not faithful for $n \geq 4$ is verified. Using representations of $VB_n$, the virtual link group is defined. Also representations of welded braid group $WB_n$ are constructed and the welded link group is defined.