Metrisability of three-dimensional path geometries (Q503213)

A projective structure on a manifold is a class of (symmetric) affine connections with the same unparametrized geodesics. If a Levi-Civita connection is found in the class, the structure is called metrisable. In dimension two the (local) metrisability problem was resolved in the paper by \textit{R. Bryant} et al. [J. Differ. Geom. 83, No. 3, 465--500 (2009; Zbl 1196.53014)] and, in a different but equivalent formulation, by the reviewer [J. Geom. Phys. 58, No. 8, 979--995 (2008; Zbl 1145.53067)]. The paper addresses dimension three. The main result is a sequence of explicit invariant tensors whose vanishing is necessary for metrisability. It should be stressed that these tensors generate neither all projective differential invariants nor those that are responsible for metrisability. Also it should be mentioned that the deduced tensors are relative rather than absolute differential invariants. However they are obtained by a natural algebraic (representation-theoretic) construction, interesting in its own, and are sufficient to insure non-metrisability of both Egorov (known from before) and Newtonian type projective structures.