Theory of interfacial dynamics of nematic polymers |
| |
Authors: | Alejandro D Rey |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Chemical Engineering McGill University, 3610 University Street Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2 e-mail: inaf@musicb.mcgill.ca Tel.: +1-514-3984196 Fax: +1-514-3986678, CA |
| |
Abstract: | The interfacial momentum and torque balance equations for deforming interfaces between nematic polymers and isotropic viscous
fluids are derived and analyzed with respect to shape selection and interfacial nematic ordering. It is found that the interfacial
momentum balance equation for nematic interfaces involves bending forces that act normal to the interface, and that interfacial
pressure jumps may exist even for planar surfaces. In addition tangential forces on nematic interfaces arise in the presence
of surface gradients of the tensor order parameter. The torque balance equation shows that couple stress jumps are balanced
by the surface molecular field. The interfacial balance equations are shown to be coupled such that nematic ordering depends
on shape and vice versa. The governing dimensionless numbers for deforming nematic polymer interfaces are identified and the
limiting regimes are discussed in reference to related experimental data. It is found that the ratio of Frank elasticity to
surface anchoring controls whether the surface tensor order parameter deviates from its preferred equilibrium value. Whether
the shape is affected, depends on the relative magnitudes of the isotropic surface tension, Frank bulk elasticity, and anchoring
energy, and capillary number.
Received: 16 April 1999/Accepted: 19 August 1999 |
| |
Keywords: | Nematic polymers Nematocapillarity Interfacial stress Interfacial momentum balance equation Interfacial torque balance equation |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|