Abstract
A procedure analogous to the Bogolyubov-Tyablikov approximation is proposed in order to bridge between the continuum theory and the Maier-Saupe model of nematic liquid crystals. The equation obtained for the order parameter, which results in a first-order transition, reduces to the Maier-Saupe equation in the limit of infinite-range interactions. A prescription for the evaluation of the free energy in the framework of the Bogolyubov-Tyablikov treatment is presented, and the resulting Maxwell construction is used to determine the first-order transition temperature. The transition temperature, the range of metastability, and the value of the order parameter at the transition are all considerably lower than in Maier-Saupe theory.
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