Closed $\text{SL}(3,\mathbb{C})$-structures on nilmanifolds

Abstract

In this paper we consider closed $\text{SL}(3,\mathbb{C})$-structures which are either mean convex or tamed by a symplectic form. These notions were introduced by Donaldson in relation to $\text{G}_2$-manifolds with boundary. In particular, we classify nilmanifolds which carry an invariant mean convex closed $\text{SL}(3,\mathbb{C})$-structure and those which admit an invariant mean convex half-flat $\text{SU}(3)$-structure. We also prove that, if a solvmanifold admits an invariant tamed closed $\text{SL}(3,\mathbb{C})$-structure, then it also has an invariant symplectic half-flat $\text{SU}(3)$-structure.