Effect of an axial magnetic field on the Poiseuille flow of a nematic liquid crystal

Abstract

The effect of an axial magnetic field on the Poiseuille flow of nematic p-azoxyanisole (PAA) has been computed using the Ericksen-Leslie continuum theory. The apparent viscosity decreases appreciably in the presence of the magnetic field. Orientation and velocity profiles for different shear rates and magnetic fields are presented.