Point defects in nematic gels: The case for hedgehogs

Dolbow, John E.; Fried, Eliot; Shen, Amy Q.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/270 Copy

Description

Title

Point defects in nematic gels: The case for hedgehogs

Author(s)

• Dolbow, John E.
• Fried, Eliot
• Shen, Amy Q.

Issue Date

2002-02

Keyword(s)

• compressible nemetic gels
• radially symmetric point defects

Abstract

We consider the question of whether compressible nematic gels are capable of sustaining hedgehogs (radially symmetric point defects). As a basis for this work, we rely on a free-energy density that extends the conventional molecular-statistically derived expression for a nematic elastomer to account for volumetric contributions. We consider the special case of a gel cross-linked in a state where the mesogens are randomly aligned and study the behavior of a spherical specimen the boundary of which is subjected to a uniform radial displacement or traction. For simplicity, we allow only for distortions in which the molecular agglomeration is uniaxial with constant anisotropy and, thus, is determined by a unit orientation field. Even for relatively mild displacements of the boundary or applied tractions, the material shows an energetic preference for states involving a hedgehog with locus at the center of the specimen.

Publisher

Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (UIUC)

Series/Report Name or Number

TAM Reports 1001

ISSN

0073-5264

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/270

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