\(G_ 1\)-structures of second order (Q1199338)

The author introduces the notion of a \(G_ 1\)-structure of order 2 (briefly \(G^ 2_ 1\)- structures.) Let us recall that a \(G_ 1\)- structure on a manifold \(V\) is defined by an endomorphism \(J\) of the tangent bundle \(TV\) with constant rank and such that \(J^ 2 = 0\). Then a \(G^ 2_ 1\)-structure is a generalization of almost tangent structures. In the case of second order, a \(G^ 2_ 1\)-structure on a manifold \(V\) (i.e., a \(G^ 2_ 1\)-reduction of the frame bundle of second order of \(V\)) is defined by an endomorphism \(J\) of the tangent bundle \(T^ 2V\), of second order such that \(J^ 2=0\) and satisfying some hypotheses on its rank. Adapted connections to this kind of \(G\)-structures of second order are studied. Obviously, these connections are of second order. If we consider the curvature form \(\Omega\), then some components of \(\Omega\) (with respect to the natural basis of the Lie algebra of \(G^ 2_ 1\)) are closed and define the characteristic cohomology class of the structure.