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Some bifurcation problems in cholesteric liquid crystal theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2009

P. J. Barratt  and
C. Fraser
P. J. Barratt
Affiliation:
University of Strathclyde
C. Fraser
Affiliation:
Dundee College of Technology
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A liquid crystal is a transversely isotropic liquid consisting of large, relatively rigid, elongated molecules which align more or less parallel to their neighbours. Three distinct types of liquid crystal occur, namely nematic, cholesteric and smectic. In the absence of any external influences, nematics tend to orientate with their anisotropic axis uniformly aligned, whereas cholesterics prefer a characteristic helical configuration and smectics are more highly organised in layered structures. However, it is possible to influence the orientation of the anisotropic axis by a variety of external means. In particular, solid surfaces affect the alignment through the action of surface torques, while electromagnetic fields exert body torques which tend to align the anisotropic axis either parallel or perpendicular to the applied field. Detailed descriptions of the physical properties of liquid crystals may be found in the books by de Gennes [1] and Chandrasekhar [2] and the review by Stephen and Straley [3].

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society , Volume 26 , Issue 3 , October 1983 , pp. 319 - 332
Copyright
Copyright © Edinburgh Mathematical Society 1983

References

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