Session X15: Liquid Crystals II
2:30 PM–5:30 PM, Thursday, March 19, 2009
Room: 316
Sponsoring Unit:
DFD
Chair: Peter Collings, Swarthmore College
Abstract ID: BAPS.2009.MAR.X15.10
Abstract: X15.00010 : Maier-Saupe Theory of Nematics in 4D
4:18 PM–4:30 PM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Peter Palffy-Muhoray
(Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University)
Xiaoyu Zheng
(Department of Mathematical Sciences, Kent State University)
We extend the Maier-Saupe theory of nematics to 4 dimensions. We consider the interaction of cylindrically symmetric particles, and derive an effective single particle potential. Using this, we obtain the free energy and the self-consistent equation for the order parameter -- a second rank traceless tensor. In 4D, the order parameter has three independent eigenvalues. We solve the self-consistent equation, and study the solutions as function of temperature. Our results give insight into the relation between orientational order parameters in different dimensions.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2009.MAR.X15.10