The Determination of the Frank Elastic Constant for Twist Deformation of 4′-n-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl (5CB) Using a Conoscope

Abstract

The Frank elastic constant for twist deformation k ₂₂, has been determined as a function of temperature for 5CB and compared with values cited in literature. The results, together with the values of the elastic constants for splay, k ₁₁, and bend, k ₃₃, which have been measured recently by Bradshaw et al. and the values for k ₁₁/k ₂₂, and k ₃₃/k₂₂ as found by Hara et al. suggest that the values of Karat and Madhusudana (corrected by Bunning et al.) are somewhat too low.

Key Words:

• elastic constants
• 5CB
• conoscope