Second order elasticity in nematics: A new anchoring source

Abstract

By considering, in the expression of the nematic free energy density, an additional term in the square of the director second derivatives, an unexpected anchoring source results, due only to surface and bulk elastic constants. As an example, the case of a planar homogeneous and of a homeotropic nematic cell, equally anchored on both walls, is discussed. In both situations the new anchoring source has a destabilizing effect.