On an integral equation in the theory of phase translations for a system of magnetic rods (Q1817667)

The author studies a nonlinear integral equation for the orientational distribution function (ODF) describing anisotropic nematic ordering in a system of magnetic rods. For highly elongated rods, he gives a classification of bifurcation points and find their asymptotic behavior in the limits of small and large magnetic moments of the rods. He develops an algorithm to construct a nearly-isotropic ODF in the vicinity of the bifurcation point. He shows that for both small and large magnetic moments, the ODF obtained has a left direction of bifarcation. However, for intermediate values of the magnetic moments, solutions with a right direction of bifurcation exist along with those with the left direction.