Computer simulations of liquid crystal mesophases investigating a generalised molecular asymmetry model

Results are reviewed from a series of simulation studies of steric and elec tric systems of thermotropic liquid crystals. The phase behaviour of model systems of liquid crystal molecules with steric dipoles or quadrupoles and with electric dipoles or quadrupoles is considered. The GMA model is shown to be a useful classification system of the influence of the electric and s teric quadrupole and dipoles on the formation of nematic, smectic A and sme ctic C phases.