Semisoft Nematic Elastomers and Nematics in Crossed Electric and Magnetic Fields

Fangfu Ye, Ranjan Mukhopadhyay, Olaf Stenull, and T. C. Lubensky
Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 147801 – Published 5 April 2007

Abstract

Nematic elastomers with a locked-in anisotropy direction exhibit semisoft elastic response characterized by a plateau in the stress-strain curve in which stress does not change with strain. We calculate the global phase diagram for a minimal model, which is equivalent to one describing a nematic in crossed electric and magnetic fields, and show that semisoft behavior is associated with a broken symmetry biaxial phase and that it persists well into the supercritical regime. We also consider generalizations beyond the minimal model and find similar results.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 24 January 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.147801

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Fangfu Ye1, Ranjan Mukhopadhyay2, Olaf Stenull3, and T. C. Lubensky1

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
  • 2Department of Physics, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts 01610, USA
  • 3Fachbereich Physik, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Lotharstrasse 1, 47048 Duisburg, Germany

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 98, Iss. 14 — 6 April 2007

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×