Simplicial Complex Emergence on Directed Hypergraphs

Abstract: We study when co-evolving (or adaptive) higher-order networks defined on directed hypergraphs admit a simplicial description. Binary and triadic couplings are modelled by time-dependent weight tensors. Using representation theory of the symmetric group $S_k$, we decompose these tensors into fully symmetric, fully antisymmetric, and mixed isotypic components, and track their Frobenius norms to define three asymptotic regimes and a quantitative notion of convergence. In the symmetric (resp. antisymmetric) limit, we certify emergence and stability of simplicial complexes via a local boundary test and interior drift conditions that enforce downward-closure; in the mixed limit, we show that the minimal faithful object is a semi-simplicial set. We illustrate the theory with simulations that track the isotypic Frobenius norms and the higher-order structure. Practically, our work provides rigorous conditions under which homological tools are justified for adaptive higher-order systems.