The Second Variational Formula For the Functional $\int v^{(6)}(g)dV_g$

Abstract

In this note, we compute the second variational formula for the functional $\int_M v^{(6)}(g)dv_g$, which was introduced by Graham-Juhl and the first variational formula was obtained by Chang-Fang. We also prove that Einstein manifolds (with dimension $\ge 7$) with positive scalar curvature is a strict local maximum within its conformal class, unless the manifold is isometric to round sphere with the standard metric up to a multiple of constant. Note that when $(M,g)$ is locally conformally flat, this functional reduces to the well-studied $\int_M \sigma_3(g)dv_g$. Hence, our result generalize a previous result of Jeff Viaclovsky without the locally conformally flat restraint.