The Influence of Induction Interaction on the Curvature Elasticity of Nematic Liquid Crystals

Abstract

We study the influence of induction interaction on the fundamental elastic properties of nematic liquid crystals using a theory based on density functional formalism. Numerical calculations for the elastic moduli associated with splay, twist and ‘bend’ modes of deformation are reported for a model system described by an interaction potential having a reference part and a perturbation part. The reference interaction is represented qualitatively by the Berne-Pechukas model. The perturbation potential is represented by the attractive interaction which is described by induction interaction. Results for elastic constants are reported for a range of molecular length-width ratio, polarizability, dipole moment, temperature and density. We find that the contribution of induction interaction is small but non-negligible. The contribution is sensitive to the values of molecular parameters and density.

Key Words:

• curvature elasticity
• nematics
• density functional