On a variational theorem of Gauduchon and torsion-critical manifolds

Abstract: In 1984, Gauduchon considered the functional of $L^2$-norm of his torsion $1$-form on a compact Hermitian manifold. He obtained the Euler-Lagrange equation for this functional, and showed that in dimension $2$ the critical metrics must be balanced (namely with vanishing torsion $1$-form). In this note we extend his result to higher dimensions, and show that critical metrics are balanced in all dimensions. We also consider the $L^2$-norm of the full Chern torsion, and show by examples that there are critical points of this functional that are not K\"ahler.