Inertial mechanism of domain formation in a homeotropic nematic liquid crystal under periodic shear
Abstract
Formation of a domain structure in a homeotropic liquid crystal layer under the action of a periodic Couette flow is studied. The effect is analyzed using hydrodynamic equations for the nematic liquid crystal. Comparison of the results of calculations with experimental data testifies that, at high frequencies, the formation of domains is governed by inertial effects. It is shown that the inertial mechanism leads to a scaling dependence of the threshold shear amplitude on frequency ω and layer thickness h in the form u th ∼ (ω h 2)-1.
- Publication:
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Acoustical Physics
- Pub Date:
- December 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1134/S1063771006060091
- Bibcode:
- 2006APhy...52..691K
- Keywords:
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- 61.30.Cz