Supersoft Elasticity in Polydomain Nematic Elastomers

J. S. Biggins, M. Warner, and K. Bhattacharya
Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 037802 – Published 15 July 2009; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 089901 (2010)

Abstract

We consider the equilibrium stress-strain behavior of polydomain liquid crystal elastomers (PLCEs). We show that there is a fundamental difference between PLCEs cross-linked in the high temperature isotropic and low temperature aligned states. PLCEs cross-linked in the isotropic state then cooled to an aligned state will exhibit extremely soft elasticity (confirmed by recent experiments) and ordered director patterns characteristic of textured deformations. PLCEs cross-linked in the aligned state will be mechanically much harder and characterized by disclination textures.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 22 April 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.037802

©2009 American Physical Society

Erratum

Erratum: Supersoft Elasticity in Polydomain Nematic Elastomers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 037802 (2009)]

J. S. Biggins, M. Warner, and K. Bhattacharya
Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 089901 (2010)

Authors & Affiliations

J. S. Biggins and M. Warner

  • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, United Kingdom

K. Bhattacharya

  • Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 103, Iss. 3 — 17 July 2009

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
×