Palatini Variation in Generalized Geometry and String Effective Actions

Abstract

We develop the Palatini formalism within the framework of generalized Riemannian geometry of Courant algebroids. In this context, the Palatini variation of a generalized Einstein-Hilbert-Palatini action - formed using a generalized metric, a Courant algebroid connection (in contrary to the ordinary case, not necessarily a torsionless one) and a volume form - leads naturally to a proper notion of a generalized Levi-Civita connection and low-energy effective actions of string theory.