Discontinuous order parameters in liquid crystal theories
arXiv:1411.3264
Abstract
The paper is concerned with various issues surrounding the mathematical description of defects in models of liquid crystals, drawing on experience from solid mechanics. The roles played by a suitable choice of function space and by the growth properties of the free-energy density are highlighted. Models in which the director can jump across surfaces are formulated, and their relevance for nematic elastomers, order reconstruction and smectic A thin films discussed.
27 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings 25th International Liquid Crystal Conference 2014