Pattern Formation in Phase-Separating Gels with Spontaneous Shear
arXiv:cond-mat/0206419 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.025702
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.
5 pages, 5 figures