An analysis of oscillatory convection in homeotropic nematics (Q1097775)

This paper utilises continuum theory to investigate the onset of oscillatory convection in thin homeotropic samples of a nematic liquid crystal confined between two horizontal flat plates of large extent when the lower plate is heated. Using a Fourier series method we derive an expression to determine the initial threshold gradient and the corresponding frequency of oscillation at which instability occurs for any nematic material. With the aid of a simple secant method, numerical results are obtained for a particular material.