Hard Rod Model of the Nematic-Isotropic Phase Transition

摘要: In the previous chapters we have seen how an anisotropic, attractive interaction between molecules of form P 2(cos θ12) can give rise to a first-order nematic-isotropic phase transition. The origin anisotropy lies in fact that almost all liquid-crystal are elongated, rod-like, and fairly rigid (at least central portion molecule). It is clear, however, besides anisotropic there must also be steric due impenetrability molecules.