Extensional flow of nematic liquid crystal with an applied electric field

L. J. CUMMINGS, J. LOW, T. G. MYERS

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Systematic asymptotic methods are used to formulate a model for the extensional flow of a thin sheet of nematic liquid crystal. With no external body forces applied, the model is found to be equivalent to the so-called Trouton model for Newtonian sheets (and fibres), albeit with a modified 'Trouton ratio'. However, with a symmetry-breaking electric field gradient applied, behaviour deviates from the Newtonian case, and the sheet can undergo finite-time breakup if a suitable destabilizing field is applied. Some simple exact solutions are presented to illustrate the results in certain idealized limits, as well as sample numerical results to the full model equations. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)397-423
Number of pages27
JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Mathematics
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 17 2013
Externally publishedYes

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