Domain motion in confined liquid crystals
arXiv:cond-mat/0108112 · doi:10.1023/A:1014562721540
Abstract
We extend a lattice Boltzmann algorithm of liquid crystal hydrodynamics to include an applied electric field. The approach solves the equations of motion written in terms of a tensor order parameter. Back-flow effects and the hydrodynamics of topological defects are included. We investigate some of the dynamics relevant to liquid crystal devices; in particular defect-mediated motion of domain walls relevant to the nucleation of states useful in pi-cells. An anisotropy in the domain wall velocity is seen because defects of different topology couple differently to the flow field.
14 pages including 5 figures; minor changes before publication