Bifurcation analysis and computer simulation for biaxial liquid crystals

De Matteis, G. (2005) Bifurcation analysis and computer simulation for biaxial liquid crystals. Physical Review E: Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, 72 (4). ISSN 2470-0053 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.041706)

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Abstract

We extend the analysis of a mean-field model for biaxial liquid crystals recently proposed by Sonnet et al. [Phys. Rev. E 67, 061701 (2003)]. In particular, we perform a bifurcation analysis of the equilibrium equations and derive the complete phase diagram. We show that two order parameters suffice to label all equilibrium phases, though they exhibit different bifurcation patterns. A Monte Carlo simulation study is performed as well, confirming qualitatively the predictions of this analysis.