Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-8ctnn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T05:48:26.208Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A continuum theory for smectic liquid crystals allowing layer dilation and compression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 1997

G. McKAY
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK
F. M. LESLIE
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK

Abstract

We present a continuum theory for smectic liquid crystals which allows variable molecular tilt and layer spacing by relating the two. This compressible theory is employed to predict the effect of ‘homeotropic’ type ordering at the plates on a planar Sm C sample. Such a boundary condition induces dilation of individual Sm C layers near the bounding plates.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1997 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)