Equivariant algebraic models for relative self-equivalences and block diffeomorphisms

Abstract: We construct rational models for classifying spaces of self-equivalences of bundles over simply connected finite CW-complexes relative to a given simply connected subcomplex. Via work of Berglund-Madsen and Krannich this specializes to rational models for classifying spaces of block diffeomorphism groups of simply connected smooth manifolds of dimension at least 6 with simply connected boundary. The main application is a formula for the rational cohomology of these classifying spaces in terms of the cohomology of arithmetic groups and dg Lie algebras. We furthermore prove that our models are compatible with gluing constructions, and deduce that the model for block diffeomorphisms is compatible with boundary connected sums of manifolds whose boundary is a sphere. As in preceding work of Berglund-Zeman on spaces of self-homotopy equivalences, a key idea is to study equivariant algebraic models for nilpotent coverings of the classifying spaces.