We consider the projected semi-definite and Euclidean distance cones onto a
subset of the matrix entries. These two sets are precisely the input data
defining feasible semi-definite and Euclidean distance completion problems. We
classify when these sets are closed, and use the boundary structure of these
two sets to elucidate the Krislock-Wolkowicz facial reduction algorithm. In
particular, we show that under a chordality assumption, the "minimal cones" of
these problems admit combinatorial characterizations. As a byproduct, we record
a striking relationship between the complexity of the general facial reduction
algorithm (singularity degree) and facial exposedness of conic images under a
linear mapping.Comment: 21 page
