Thermal and flexoelectric effects on nematodynamics in a microvolume cylindrical cavity.
We have considered a homogeneously aligned liquid crystal (HALC) microvolume, confined between two infinitely long horizontal coaxial cylinders subjected to both a temperature gradient nabla T and radially applied electric field E. We have investigated dynamic field pumping, i.e., studied the interaction between director, velocity, electric fields, as well as, a radially applied temperature gradient, where the inner cylinder is kept at a lower temperature than the outer one. Flexoelectric polarization P has been taken into account as well, and modeled via the classical Meyer treatment. In order to elucidate the role of nabla T, E, and P in producing hydrodynamic flow, we have carried out a numerical study of a system of hydrodynamic equations including director reorientation, fluid flow, and temperature redistribution across the HALC cavity. Calculations show that there exists a range of parameter values (voltage and curvature of the inner cylinder) producing a kinklike orientation process in the system, as well as a nonstandard pumping regime with maximum flow near the hot cylinder.
Zakharov
A V
AV
Saint Petersburg Institute for Machine Sciences, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg 199178, Russia. avz06@yahoo.ca
Vakulenko
A A
AA
Romano
Silvano
S
D003198:Computer Simulation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D050866:Liquid Crystals / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008280:Magnetics; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*
D012996:Solutions