FastQ-tensor method for modeling the dynamics of defects in a liquid crystal director field

Abstract

A fast Q-tensor method, which can model the defect dynamics in a liquid crystal director field, is presented. Conceptually based on the Oseen-Frank approach, we have added temperature energy density terms in addition to the strain energy terms, and an improved normalization method for fast calculations. The method is more compact and allows a larger time step than previous methods. The method is used to model the defect dynamics occurring during the topological state change from a splay to bend director field configuration.