Flows of \(\mathrm{SU}(2)\)-structures (Q6950259)

The authors parametrize the invariant second-order heat flow equations for \(\mathrm{SU}(2)\)-structures on 4-manifolds. They compute the first variation of all quadratic functions in the torsion. They prove parabolicity, modulo the DeTurck trick, of the flows given by the harmonic Ricci flow and the negative gradient of Dirichlet energy of intrinsic torsion. The approach draws on the work of \textit{R. L. Bryant} [in: Proceedings of the 11th and 12th Gökova geometry-topology conferences, Gökova, Turkey, May 24--28, 2004 and May 30--June 3, 2005. Dedicated to the memory of Raoul Bott. Cambridge, MA: International Press. 75--109 (2006; Zbl 1115.53018)] on \(\mathrm{G}_2\)-flows.