Deformations of \(G_2\)-structures with torsion (Q254825)

In this paper, the author continues his study of \(G_2\)-structures, focusing on the associated torsion. Recall that the exceptional group \(G_2\) is the group of automorphisms of the octonion algebra. A 7-dimensional manifold admits a \(G_2\)-structure iff it is orientable and admits a spin structure (equivalently, the first two Stiefel-Whitney classes vanish). A manifold with a \(G_2\)-structure is characterized by a certain \(G_2\)-invariant 3-form, the metric, and the associated dual (Hodge-star) 4-form, all of which satisfy appropriate compatibility conditions. An important class is that of \(G_2\)-structures with vanishing torsion; then the Riemannian holonomy group lies in the exceptional group \(G_2\). The article studies the non-infinitesimal deformation classes of \(G_2\)-structures. First, an expression for the \(G_2\)-structure torsion of a deformation as such is given. Then, the author focuses on a special kind of deformation, namely a deformation in the direction of a vector, i.e., the 3-form of the structure is deformed in the direction of a 3-form lying in the 7-dimensional component of the 3rd exterior algebra. An explicit expression for the torsion of the deformed \(G_2\)-structure is provided in terms of the old \(G_2\)-structure, its torsion and the vector defining the direction of the deformation. This result is used to prove that a deformation as such keeps the class of \(G_2\)-structure with vanishing torsion invariant if and only if the vector is parallel. Moreover, it is shown that for certain \(G_2\)-structures (\(W_1, W_7, W_1 \oplus W_7\)) with strict torsion there is no deformation to the class with vanishing torsion. This provides a partial answer to a question of Karigiannis.