I define partially cycle graphs as follows.
If we add the same subgraph to $n-k$ vertices of an $n$-vertex cycle graph, where $1\le k < n$, we create a partially cycle graph.
Here are a few examples.
$C_6$:
Automorphism group: $D_6 = (2, 6)(3, 5) \times (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)$
Order: 12
Generators: $\{(2, 6)(3, 5), (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)\}$
Example: When $n = 6, k = 1$:
Automorphism group: $\{e, (1, 5)(2, 4) \}$
Order: 2
Generators: $\{(1, 5)(2, 4)\}$
Example: When $n = 6, k = 5$:
Automorphism group: $\{e, (1, 5)(2, 4) (7, 10) (8, 11) \}$
Order: 2
Generators: $\{(1, 5)(2, 4) (7, 10) (8, 11)\}$
Example: When $n = 6, k = 3$:
Automorphism group: $\{e, (1, 3)(4, 6) (7, 9) \}$
Order: 2
Generators: $\{(1, 3)(4, 6) (7, 9)\}$
Obviously, the rotational symmetry which we have in $D_6$ is no more in the partially cycle graphs. The automorphism group contains only the reflections i.e. transpositions.
My question:
- Is there a general expression for the automorphism group of partially cycle graphs when $k$ is not fixed?
- Is there a general expression for the automorphism group of partially cycle graphs when $k$ is fixed?
- Can I always assume that the generator will always be some kind of transposition group?



