Bi-conformal vector fields and the local geometric characterization of conformally separable pseudo-Riemannian manifolds II

Abstract

In this paper we continue the study of bi-conformal vector fields started in {\em Class. Quantum Grav.} {\bf 21} 2153-2177. These are vector fields defined on a pseudo-Riemannian manifold by the differential conditions $\lie P_{ab}=\phi P_{ab}$, $\lie\Pi_{ab}=\chi\Pi_{ab}$ where $P_{ab}$, $\Pi_{ab}$ are orthogonal and complementary projectors with respect to the metric tensor $\rmg_{ab}$ and $\lie$ is the Lie derivative. In a previous paper we explained how the analysis of these differential conditions enabled us to derive local geometric characterizations of the most relevant cases of {\em conformally separable} (also called double twisted) pseudo Riemannian manifolds. In this paper we carry on this analysis further and provide local invariant characterizations of conformally separable pseudo-Riemannian manifolds with {\em conformally flat} leaf metrics. These characterizations are rather similar to that existing for conformally flat pseudo-Riemannian manifolds but instead of the Weyl tensor, we must demand the vanishing of certain four rank tensors constructed from the curvature of an affine, non-metric, connection (bi-conformal connection). We also speculate with possible applications to finding results for the existence of foliations by conformally flat hypersurfaces in any pseudo-Riemannian manifold.