Periodic divisible-by-finite automorphism groups are finite (Q2644768)

It was shown by \textit{D. J. S. Robinson} [Q. J. Math., Oxf. II. Ser. 30, 351-364 (1979; Zbl 0418.20031)] that an infinite Chernikov group cannot be the full automorphism group Aut G of a group G. Generalizing this result, the authors prove that if G is a group whose automorphism group Aut G contains a periodic divisible abelian subgroup of finite index, then Aut G is finite. Their proof relies on some theorems recently obtained by \textit{M. R. Pettet} [ibid. 41, 93-108 (1990; Zbl 0697.20022)]. Moreover, they construct a class of nilpotent groups of class 2 whose automorphism groups are infinite and (divisible abelian)-by-finite.