MC measurement of the isotropic nematic interfacial tension in suspensions of soft rods

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

MC measurement of the isotropic nematic interfacial tension in suspensions of soft rods

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 21st March 2005
  • Speaker: Tanja Schilling (Mainz)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

The isotropic to nematic transition in a system of soft spherocylinders is studied by means of grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. The probability distribution of the particle density is used to determine the coexistence density of the isotropic and the nematic phases. The distributions are also used to compute the interfacial tension of the isotropic--nematic interface, including an analysis of finite size effects. Our results confirm that the Onsager limit is not recovered until for very large elongation, exceeding at least <i>L/D = 40</i>, with <i>L</i> the spherocylinder length and <i>D</i> the diameter. For smaller elongation, we find that the interfacial tension increases with increasing <i>L/D</i>, in agreement with theoretical predictions.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.