Blow-up examples for the Yamabe problem (Q1047924): Difference between revisions

Let \((M^n,g)\) be a smooth compact Riemannian manifold of dimension \(n\geq 3\). Consider the semi-linear elliptic PDE on \(M\) given by \[ \frac{4(n-1)}{n-2}\Delta_gu-R_gu+cu^{\frac{n+2}{n-2}}=0, \] where \(\Delta_g\) is the Laplace operator with respect to \(g\) and \(R_g\) denotes the scalar curvature of \(g\). The Weyl vanishing conjecture states that, if a sequence \(\nu_n\) of solutions of this PDE blows-up at \(p\in M\), then \[ \nabla^l_gW_g(p)=0\;\text{ for every }0\leq l\leq \left[ \frac{n-6}{2}\right], \] where \(W_g\) denotes the Weyl tensor of the metric \(g\). This conjecture, which is a relevant piece in the program proposed by \textit{R. M. Schoen} in [Surv. Pure Appl. Math. 52, 311--320 (1991; Zbl 0733.53021)] to establish compactnesss in high dimensions, has been verified for certain \(n\) in a series of papers. In particular, \textit{M. A. Khuri, F. C. Marques} and \textit{R. M. Schoen} recently proved in [J. Differ. Geom. 81, No.~1, 143--196 (2009; Zbl 1162.53029)] that it holds true for \(n\leq 24\). In this fine paper, the author shows that the conjecture is false for any \(n\geq 25\), constructing specific counterexamples.