Molecular statistical theory of nematic liquid crystals II. Relation between elasticity and orientational order

Abstract

A relationship is derived between curvature, elasticity and orientational order in nematic liquid crystals on the basis of the molecular statistical theory developed in Part I. Calculations show that the elastic moduli of p-azoxyphenetole should be greater than those of p-azoxyanisole, in quantitative agreement with the values reported by the Orsay Group. The theoretical temperature variation of the elastic moduli is also in accord with the available data.