Gap theorems on critical point equation of the total scalar curvature with divergence-free Bach tensor (Q2316541)

On the space of constant scalar curvature metrics of unit volume, the variational equation of the total scalar curvature can be written as a critical point equation, involving the Ricci tensor, the Hessian and the Laplacian. The Besse conjecture states that any solution of this equation on a compact manifold is Einstein. This conjecture is valid for example for manifolds with harmonic curvature, in particular if the manifold is Bach-flat. In the present paper, the properties of the Bach tensor and the Cotton tensor and their divergences are investigated. Gap theorems related to the mentioned critical point equation with divergence-free Bach tensor are proved.