Disclination core structure and induced phase change in nematic liquid crystals

Mottram, N.J. and Hogan, S.J. (1997) Disclination core structure and induced phase change in nematic liquid crystals. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 355(1731), pp. 2045-2064. (doi: 10.1098/rsta.1997.0106)

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Abstract

Using a continuum theory which allows for changes in variables which represent the phase and biaxiality of the liquid crystal as well as the director field, the core structure of plus or minus one half and plus or minus one strength disclination lines is investigated. Under certain approximations analytical solutions are found near to the centre of the disclination. Good agreement is found with numerical solutions for the full problem. Using a continuation package (AUTO), the changes to these numerical solutions are then considered as various parameters are altered. The model exhibits a first-order phase transition near to the clearing point temperature induced by the presence of the disclination core. If the disclination was not present, this phase transition would occur when the liquid crystalline state loses stability at a higher temperature.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mottram, Professor Nigel
Authors: Mottram, N.J., and Hogan, S.J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Mathematics
Journal Name:Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
Publisher:The Royal Society
ISSN:1364-503X
ISSN (Online):1471-2962

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