Abstract

Patterns formed by the electrohydrodynamic convection (EHC) of a liquid crystal system were analyzed experimentally and through a computational model. For the experimental liquid crystal system, a setup consisting of a circuit to supply and measure voltage, a microscope mounted with a camera, a temperature controlled heating stage and a computer to collect data was assembled. A simulation of the Generalized Swift-Hohenberg equation was created using a finite difference method to solve the partial derivatives. The liquid crystal experiment found the transition parameters between non EHC and EHC behavior for two novel shaped liquid crystal materials, RB1115 and RB1189, synthesized at Kent State University. The transition between dynamic scatter modes was also examined using discrete Fourier transforms. The Generalized Swift-Hohenberg equation was solved in two dimensions, and the resulting pattern was interpolated. These two different dynamical systems produced images with comparable patterns, validating the simulation to a degree.

Advisor

Garg, Shila

Second Advisor

Pasteur, Drew

Department

Mathematics; Physics

Disciplines

Applied Mathematics

Keywords

liquid crystal, electrohydrodynamic convection, swift hohenberg equation, finite difference method, ehc, dynamic scattering

Publication Date

2013

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2013 Matthew Fritz Schmitthenner