3
$\begingroup$

Let $M$ be a n-dimensional closed smooth manifold, $\eta_{k}$ be the k-form on $M$, $X$ be the smooth vector field on $M$.Let $\eta=\eta_{0}+\eta_{1}+\cdots+\eta_{n-1}+\eta_{n}$ be a ($d-i_{X}$)-closed form, then we have $$i_{X}\eta_{n}=d\eta_{n-2},$$ the relation imply that $\eta_{n}$ is exact outside the set $M_{0}$ of zeros of the vector field $X$. How to get the result?

Edit: I read this result in the chapter 7 of "Heat Kernels and Dirac Operators", page 203. My question is why the relation imply that $\eta_{n}$ is exact outside the set $M_{0}$.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Could you provide more background on why you believe the result is true? $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 9, 2013 at 17:48
  • $\begingroup$ Are you asking why $i_X\eta_n = d\eta_{n-2}$ is true, or why that relationship implies $\eta_n$ is exact outside $M_0$? $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 10, 2013 at 5:21

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

If you can find a closed 1-form $\alpha\in \Omega^1(M\setminus Z(X))$ with $i_X\alpha=1$, then $\eta_n=\alpha\wedge i_X\eta_n = \alpha\wedge d\eta_{n-2}= -d(\alpha\wedge\eta_{n-2})$ is exact. Maybe, the source that you are reading has such $\alpha$.

$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .