Abstract
Recently it was found that fluid smectic phases of bent core liquid crystals formed freestanding fibers of extremely high slenderness ratios. Studies of these fibers showed that their structure was composed of concentric cylindrical smectic layers. For this configuration to be stable there must be an energy term that desires bending of the smectic layers. We show that an energy term that deals with the divergence of the dipolar direction can encourage layer bending if the layer chirality value is allowed to vary. The energy term associated with holding the layer chirality is closely related to layer compressions and electrical self-interactions. For our model, we assumed a simple smectic-C geometry with constant molecular tilt and cone angle defined by the director with respect to the layer normal, but allowed a constant variation of the polar direction about the director. Applying this simplified model to a free energy which accounts for director distortions, divergence of the polar direction, biaxial layer strain, surface tension, and electrical self-interactions, we were able to show consistency between the stable fiber radius and other properties predicted in our model to results from experimental studies.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.