TEMPERATURE-DRIVEN POLAR ANCHORING TRANSITIONS IN NEMATIC LIQUID-CRYSTALS - COMPUTER-SIMULATIONS

Using a collective inverted-pendulum model, we have performed computer simulations of temperature-driven anchoring transitions in nematic li quid crystals. Behavior reminiscent of some of the experimentally obse rved anchoring transitions was obtained in our simulations. We have th us shown that anchoring transitions can be induced by the thermal moti on of the substrate. These effects, which originate in molecules in di rect contact with the substrate, then propagate into the bulk of the l iquid crystal.