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ABSTRACT
Following the experimental lead, we construct a general mathematical model which, depending on whether the uniaxial scalar order parameter is constant or not, can predict either the classical shear striping instability or the molecular auxetic response and mechanical Fréedericksz transition observed in different liquid crystal elastomers. Our theoretical model can shed some light on the role of nematic order in these stretch-induced mechanical instabilities not observed in conventional rubber-like solids.
Graphical abstract
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Data availability statement
All supporting data for this research are included in the paper.
Additional information
Funding
We are grateful for the support by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of Great Britain under research grants EP/R020205/1 to AG, EP/S028870/1 to LAM and EP/M009521/1 to HFG. DM thanks the Leverhulme Trust for an Early Career Fellowship.