Tensor hierarchy algebras and extended geometry II: Gauge structure and dynamics

Abstract: The recent investigation of the gauge structure of extended geometry is generalised to situations when ancillary transformations appear in the commutator of two generalised diffeomorphisms. The relevant underlying algebraic structure turns out to be a tensor hierarchy algebra rather than a Borcherds superalgebra. This tensor hierarchy algebra is a non-contragredient superalgebra, generically infinite-dimensional, which is a double extension of the structure algebra of the extended geometry. We use it to perform a (partial) analysis of the gauge structure in terms of an $L_\infty$ algebra for extended geometries based on finite-dimensional structure groups. An invariant pseudo-action is also given in these cases. We comment on the continuation to infinite-dimensional structure groups. An accompanying paper deals with the mathematical construction of the tensor hierarchy algebras.