Recent Trends in Continuum Modeling of Liquid Crystal Networks: A Mini-Review

Abstract

This work aims to provide a comprehensive review of the continuum models of the phase behaviors of liquid crystal networks (LCNs), novel materials with various engineering applications thanks to their unique composition of polymer and liquid crystal. Two distinct behaviors are primarily considered: soft elasticity and spontaneous deformation found in the material. First, we revisit these characteristic phase behaviors, followed by an introduction of various constitutive models with diverse techniques and fidelities in describing the phase behaviors. We also present finite element models that predict these behaviors, emphasizing the importance of such models in predicting the material’s behavior. By disseminating various models essential to understanding the underlying physics of the behavior, we hope to help researchers and engineers harness the material’s full potential. Finally, we discuss future research directions necessary to advance our understanding of LCNs further and enable more sophisticated and precise control of their properties. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the state-of-the-art techniques and models used to analyze the behavior of LCNs and their potential for various engineering applications.

Multiscale modelling of transport in polymer-based reverse-osmosis/nanofiltration membranes: present and future

“…Furthermore, the data transfer process from FFM simulation to CB entails the use of sophisticated data interpolation algorithms, ensuring a seamless translation of high-resolution FFM data into a format that is compatible and accurately represented within the lower-resolution CB framework [ 144 , 145 ]. To offer a more accurate portrayal of the physical process of solute traversing the membrane, the algorithms of grand canonical molecular dynamics (GCMD) and NEMD can be introduced.…”

Liquid Crystal Orientation and Shape Optimization for the Active Response of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

“…We leverage an in-house next generation finite element analysis code, i.e., Serac , to facilitate the material model implementation effort and benefit from its high-performance computing (HPC) and AD capabilities. This stands in stark contrast to commercial analysis software alternatives, where considerable effort would be needed to accommodate new physics models, let alone the SA [49][50][51][52][53].…”

Self-Sustained Oscillation of Electrothermally Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer Film in Steady-State Circuits

“…A rich variety of Self-excited oscillation systems constructed based on active materials have been recently reported, such as hydrogels [20,21], dielectric elastomers, ionic gels [22,23], liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) [24][25][26][27][28][29] and temperature-sensitive polymers [30][31][32][33]. At the same time, researchers have proposed and constructed different Self-excited oscillation patterns based on various types of active materials, such as bending [30][31][32], flexing, twisting [33,34], stretching and contracting [35], rolling [36], swimming, oscillating, vibrating [37][38][39], jumping [40][41][42], rotating [43], turning outward or reversing, and even the synchronized motion of several coupled Self-oscillators.…”

“…Those Self-excited oscillation systems [60,61] based on LCE materials that have been built are usually driven by direct ambient heating or by photothermal and photochemical effects [29,48,[62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69]. However, the current variety of Self-excited oscillation patterns is not yet sufficient, which limits the application of Self-excited oscillation phenomena in active motors.…”