Abstract
A molecular theory of liquid crystals is developed within the framework of statistical mechanics for classical liquids. Coupled Bogoliubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon (BBGKY) equations are derived and solved for anisotropic systems of molecules interacting via a pairwise, orientation-dependent potential. Solutions representing isotropic and nematic phases are obtained. Among the quantities calculated are the temperature- and density-dependent orientational order parameters. Besides serving as a prototype calculation, what is presented here also provides a theoretical background in which the mean-field approximation can better be understood.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 750-756 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1977 |
| Externally published | Yes |