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Title: A nematic liquid crystal with an immersed body: equilibrium, stress and paradox
We examine the equilibrium configurations of a nematic liquid crystal with an immersed body in two dimensions. A complex variables formulation provides a means for finding analytical solutions in the case of strong anchoring. Local tractions, forces and torques on the body are discussed in a general setting. For weak (finite) anchoring strengths, an effective boundary technique is proposed which is used to determine asymptotic solutions. The energy-minimizing locations of topological defects on the body surface are also discussed. A number of examples are provided, including circular and triangular bodies, and a Janus particle with hybrid anchoring conditions. Analogies to classical results in fluid dynamics are identified, including d'Alembert's paradox, Stokes’ paradox and the Kutta condition for circulation selection.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2003819
PAR ID:
10433491
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Volume:
967
ISSN:
0022-1120
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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