Torsion-free generalized connections and Heterotic Supergravity

Abstract

This work revisits the notions of connection and curvature in generalized geometry, with emphasis on torsion-free generalized connections on a transitive Courant algebroid, compatible with a generalized metric. Non-exact Courant algebroids have been considered recently by R. Rubio in the context of $B_n$-generalised geometry and arise naturally from the theory of generalized reduction of Burzstyn, Cavalcanti and Gualtieri. As an application, we provide a mathematical derivation of the equations of motion of heterotic supergravity, inspired by the work of Coimbra, Strickland-Constable and Waldram.