Bénard convection in liquid crystals

Abstract

This article presents a review of investigations concerning the onset of Bénard convective instabilities in layers of nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals. Special emphasis is given to the role of a heat focusing mechanism which gives rise to interesting instability phenomena not seen in conventional isotropic liquids. Theoretical predictions of continuum theory are compared with experimental observations, wherever possible, and suggestions for further investigations are included. Although the linear theory is now well understood, at least for nematics, the non-linear theory has received comparatively little attention. It appears that the development of non-linear analyses for such systems may lead to important information concerning multicritical phenomena and the transition to turbulence in non-equilibrium systems.