Algebraic equations of state for the liquid crystalline phase behavior of hard rods

Abstract

Based on simplifications of previous numerical calculations [Graf and Löwen, Phys. Rev. E \textbf{59}, 1932 (1999)], we propose algebraic free energy expressions for the smectic-A liquid crystal phase and the crystal phases of hard spherocylinders. Quantitative agreement with simulations is found for the resulting equations of state. The free energy expressions can be used to straightforwardly compute the full phase behavior for all aspect ratios and to provide a suitable benchmark for exploring how attractive interrod interactions mediate the phase stability through perturbation approaches such as free-volume or van der Waals theory.

12 pages,accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. E

References in corpus (3)

• Hard-body models of bulk liquid crystals
• Simulation-based equation of state of the hard disk fluid and prediction of higher-order virial coefficients
• Self-organisation of semi-flexible rod-like particles

Cited by in corpus (4)

• Defying the Gibbs Phase Rule: Evidence for an Entropy-Driven Quintuple Point in Colloid-Polymer Mixtures
• Two-temperature activity induces liquid-crystal phases inaccessible in equilibrium
• Elastic response of colloidal smectics: insights from microscopic theory
• Effect of sample height and particle elongation in the sedimentation of colloidal rods