ABSTRACT
The theoretical description of vortex dynamics in a hybrid aligned nematic (HAN) microvolume with an orientational defect excited by a temperature gradient, , is given based on the appropriate nonlinear extension of the classical Ericksen–Leslie theory. We have carried out a numerical study of the system of hydrodynamic equations including director reorientation, fluid flow and the temperature redistribution across the HAN microvolume under the influence of , when the HAN microvolume is heated from above. Calculations show that, due to the interaction between the gradient of the director field and , the HAN microvolume settles down to a stationary complex-vortex flow regime.
PACS numbers: 61.30.Cz, 65.40.De
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).