Liquid crystal science underlies the technology of about half the current display technology by value, an industry now worth some $10 billion per annum worldwide. The fundamental science straddles the disciplines of chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and computer science. Among liquid crystal scientists today there is much interest in the historical process that has brought the subject to its present level. The historical roots lie in the years following 1888, again in the interwar years, and finally in the late 60s and 70s. This book has collected important papers in the development of liquid crystal science into one reference volume. The collection is divided into sections, each of which is prefaced by a brief commentary, referring to the historic-scientific context of the time. Some of these papers are available for the first time in English. More modern papers carry a short commentary from the original author, offering recollections of the context in which the work was carried out and what its impact has been. Crystals that Flow is aimed at liquid crystal scientists- from whatever background- physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering or computer science. Historians of science will also find this a useful reference.

Given the widespread interest in macroscopic phenomena in liquid crystals, stemming from their applications in displays and devices, the need has arisen for a rigorous yet accessible text suitable for graduate students, whatever their scientific background. This book satisfies that need.
The approach taken in this text, is to introduce the basic continuum theory from nematic liquid crystals in equilibium, then it proceeds to simple application of this theory- in particular, there is a discussion of electric and magnetic field effects which give rise to Freedericksz transitions, which are important in devices. This is followed by an account of dynamic theory and elementary viscometry of nematics. Discussions of backflow and flow-induced instabilities are also included. Smetic theory is also briefly introduced, summarised, with with some examples of equilibrium solutions as well as dynamic effects. A number of mathematical techniques, such as Cartesian tensors and some variational calculus, are presented in the appendices.

Series Information:
Liquid Crystals