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arXiv · 0712.1439

Thermal diffusion and bending kinetics in nematic elastomer cantilever

K. K. Hon·D. Corbett·E. M. Terentjev
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Abstract

Vertically aligned mono-domain nematic liquid crystal elastomers contract when heated. If a temperature gradient is applied across the width of such a cantilever, inhomogeneous strain distribution leads to bending motion. We modelled the kinetics of thermally-induced bending in the limit of a long thin strip and the predicted time-variation of curvature agreed quantitatively with experimental data from samples with a range of critical indices and nematic-isotropic transition temperatures. We also deduced a value for the thermal diffusion coefficient of the elastomer.

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K. K. Hon, D. Corbett, E. M. Terentjev. 2007-12-10. Thermal diffusion and bending kinetics in nematic elastomer cantilever. https://doi.org/10.1140/epje%2Fi2007-10266-4

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