Abstract
We discuss a dynamical theory for nematic liquid crystals describing the stage of evolution in which the hydrodynamic fluid motion has already equilibrated and the subsequent evolution proceeds via diffusive motion of the orientational degrees of freedom. This diffusion induces a slow motion of singularities of the order parameter field. Using asymptotic methods for gradient flows, we establish a relation between the Doi-Smoluchowski kinetic equation and vortex dynamics in two-dimensional systems. We also discuss moment closures for the kinetic equation and Landau-de Gennes-type free energy dissipation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 323-340 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems - Series S |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Diffusive transport
- Doi-Smoluchowski
- Liquid crystals
- Nematics
- Vortex motion
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Analysis
- Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics
- Applied Mathematics