Recurrent conformal 2-forms on pseudo-Riemannian manifolds

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the notion of recurrent conformal 2-forms on a pseudo-Riemannian manifold of arbitrary signature. Some theorems already proved for the same differential structure on a Riemannian manifold are proven to hold in this more general contest. Moreover other interesting results are pointed out; it is proven that if the associated covector is closed, then the Ricci tensor is Riemann compatible or equivalently, Weyl compatible: these notions were recently introduced and investigated by one of the present authors. Further some new results about the vanishing of some Weyl scalars on a pseudo-Riemannian manifold are given: it turns out that they are consequence of the generalized Derdziński–Shen theorem. Topological properties involving the vanishing of Pontryagin forms and recurrent conformal 2-forms are then stated. Finally, we study the properties of recurrent conformal 2-forms on Lorentzian manifolds (space-times). Previous theorems stated on a pseudo-Riemannian manifold of arbitrary signature are then interpreted in the light of the classification of space-times in four or in higher dimensions.