Defect Configurations in Liquid Crystals
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
The Landau-de Gennes theory constitutes a continuum framework for characterizing nematic liquid crystal configurations, employing the Q-tensor order parameter as its fundamental element—a 3×3 symmetric and traceless matrix. Within the model's free energy, a distinctive bulk potential emerges, as a natural imposition of a physical constraint on the eigenvalues of the Q-tensors. Our focus in this presentation lies in exploring the singular aspects of free energy in a limiting case and delving into the associated defect configurations.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Xiang Xu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Mathematics and Statistics
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Partial Differential Equations
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Start Date
3-30-2024 8:30 AM
End Date
3-30-2024 10:00 AM
Defect Configurations in Liquid Crystals
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
The Landau-de Gennes theory constitutes a continuum framework for characterizing nematic liquid crystal configurations, employing the Q-tensor order parameter as its fundamental element—a 3×3 symmetric and traceless matrix. Within the model's free energy, a distinctive bulk potential emerges, as a natural imposition of a physical constraint on the eigenvalues of the Q-tensors. Our focus in this presentation lies in exploring the singular aspects of free energy in a limiting case and delving into the associated defect configurations.