FREEDERICKSZ TRANSITIONS IN SPHERICAL DROPLETS OF SMECTIC-C LIQUID-CRYSTALS

Citation
Rj. Atkin et Iw. Stewart, FREEDERICKSZ TRANSITIONS IN SPHERICAL DROPLETS OF SMECTIC-C LIQUID-CRYSTALS, Quarterly Journal of Mechanics and Applied Mathematics, 47, 1994, pp. 232-245
Citations number
17
Categorie Soggetti
Mathematical Method, Physical Science",Mathematics,Mechanics,Mathematics
ISSN journal
00335614
Volume
47
Year of publication
1994
Part
2
Pages
232 - 245
Database
ISI
SICI code
0033-5614(1994)47:<232:FTISDO>2.0.ZU;2-H
Abstract
In this paper we use continuum theory to examine Freedericksz transiti ons in spherical layers of smectic C liquid crystal contained between a cone and a plate. Critical magnetic-field strengths which induce the se transitions are obtained for two types of boundary conditions, such critical thresholds being related to certain elastic constants. A non linear energy comparison demonstrates that the resulting perturbed sol utions of the Euler-Lagrange equations are energetically more favourab le for fields above these critical thresholds.