Analytical Solutions for Small Distortion Waves in the Freedericks' Transition Problem

Abstract

Analytical general solutions for small distortion waves in the Freedericks’ transition problem have been obtained for steady state flow. Inconsistencies in solutions found in the literature are removed under the assumption that the linear and angular momenta of an incompressible fluid are conserved within the hydrodynamic limit. The time dependence of the director of the nematic phase and its distortion pattem in the presence of a magnetic field is thus obtained.