Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In this paper, we consider the flow of a nematic liquid crystal in the domain exterior to a small spherical particle. We work within the framework of the sans serif bold italic upper Q 𝙌 $\unicode{x1D64C}$ -tensor model, taking into account the orientational elasticity of the medium. Under a suitable regime of physical parameters, the governing equations can be reduced to a system of linear partial differential equations. Our focus is on precise far-field asymptotics of the flow velocity with an emphasis on its anisotropic behaviour. We are able to analytically characterize the flow pattern and compare it with that of the classical isotropic Stokes flow. The expression for velocity away from the particle can be computed numerically or symbolically.
Source: Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Dmitry Golovaty, Nung Kwan Yip
Institutions: University of Akron, Purdue University West Lafayette
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Mathematics
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4416979474