Monte Carlo Simulation of Fréedericksz Transitions in Biaxial Nematic Liquid Crystals

With Monte Carlo simulation,this paper investigated Freedericksz transitions of biaxial nematics induced by an external magnetic field.In the simulation process,the pair potential in London's dispersion forces approximation was used.With three different orientations,nine different Freedericksz transitions were discussed by changing the molecular magnetic susceptibility and the directions of magnetic field.The transition of two short axes u and v,the transition of long axis w and short axis u,and the transition of long axis w and short axis v were all simulated.With the result of simulations,relations of the nine elastic constants can be discussed and they are fit with one elastic constant approximation.The result is practical in the sense that it works as a theoretical basis for developing biaxial display device.