Options for gauge groups in five-dimensional supergravity

Motivated by the possibility that physics may be effectively five-dimensional over some range of distance scales, we study the possible gaugings of five-dimensional N=2 supergravity. Using a constructive approach, we derive the conditions that must be satisfied by the scalar fields in the vector, tensor and hypermultiplets if a given global symmetry is to be gaugeable. We classify all those theories that admit the gauging of a compact group that is either Abelian or semi-simple, or a direct product of a semi-simple and an Abelian group. In the absence of tensor multiplets, either the gauge group must be semi-simple or the Abelian part has to be U(1)R and/or an Abelian isometry of the hyperscalar manifold. On the other hand, in the presence of tensor multiplets the gauge group cannot be semi-simple. As an illustrative exercise, we show how the Standard Model SU(3)xSU(2)xU(1) group may be gauged in five-dimensional N=2 supergravity. We also show how previous special results may be recovered within our general formalism. (author)