Abstract
We present a double-charge model for the interaction between parallel polarizable hard spherocylinders subject to an external electric field. Using Monte Carlo simulations and free-energy calculations, we predict the phase behaviour for this model as a function of the density and electric field strength, at a fixed length-to-diameter ratio L/D = 5. The resulting phase diagram contains, in addition to the well-known nematic, smectic A, ABC crystal, and columnar phases, a smectic C phase, and a low temperature crystal X phase. We also find a string fluid at low densities and field strengths, resembling results found for dipolar spheres.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 154903 |
Journal | Journal of Chemical Physics |
Volume | 141 |
Issue number | 15 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Oct 2014 |