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arXiv · 0806.3445

Soft Elasticity in Nematic Liquid-Crystal Networks

Simiso K. Mkhonta·Dan Vernon·K. R. Elder·Martin Grant
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Abstract

Liquid-crystal networks consist of weakly crosslinked polymers that are coupled to liquid-crystal molecules. The resultant hybrid system has rich elastic properties. We develop a phase field model to describe mechanical properties of a hexagonal liquid-crystal network. The hexagonal liquid-crystal network is found to have soft shear deformations. The elastic properties are predicted analytically and confirmed with numerical simulations. In addition the model incorporates non-linear elasticity and dislocations or disclinations.

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Simiso K. Mkhonta, Dan Vernon, K. R. Elder, Martin Grant. 2008-10-09. Soft Elasticity in Nematic Liquid-Crystal Networks. https://arxiv.org/abs/0806.3445

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