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Pattern Formation in Phase-Separating Gels with Spontaneous Shear

Nariya Uchida
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Abstract

We study pattern formation in gels undergoing simultaneous phase separation and orientational ordering. A 2D numerical simulation is performed using a minimal model of nonlinear elasticity with density-anisotropy coupling. For strong positive coupling, the collapsed phase elongates along the phase boundary and buckles, creating a folded structure with paired topological defects. For negative coupling, soft elasticity of the swollen phase causes a droplet morphology as in liquid-liquid phase separation. Their possible realizations in nematic liquid-crystalline gels are discussed.

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Nariya Uchida. 2002-06-24. Pattern Formation in Phase-Separating Gels with Spontaneous Shear. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.89.025702

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