Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
Published on: October 31, 2019
Kinklike pressure wave in the microsized twisted nematic volume
A V Zakharov1, P V Maslennikov2
1Saint Petersburg Institute for Machine Sciences, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg 199178, Russia.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism where electric fields induce kink-like pressure waves in microsized twisted nematic volumes. This phenomenon, driven by director field disturbances, generates traveling waves above a critical electric field strength.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Liquid Crystal Physics
Background:
- Microsized twisted nematic volumes are sensitive to external stimuli.
- Electric fields can alter director field configurations in liquid crystals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel mechanism for kink-like pressure response in microsized twisted nematic volumes.
- To investigate the effect of electric fields on director field disturbances and resulting pressure waves.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of torques acting on the director field.
- Modeling of pressure wave propagation in response to electric fields.
Main Results:
- A novel mechanism for kink-like pressure response was identified.
- Electric fields applied parallel to surfaces can excite traveling pressure waves.
- The kink-like nature of the wave intensifies with electric field strength above a critical value (Ecr).
Conclusions:
- Externally applied electric fields can induce kink-like traveling pressure waves in microsized twisted nematic volumes.
- The study elucidates a new electro-mechanical coupling phenomenon in liquid crystals.
Related Concept Videos
Sound as Pressure Waves
The pressure fluctuation depends on the difference in displacements between the successive points in the...
Pressure Variation in a Fluid at Rest
When measuring pressure at two different levels within the fluid, the difference in...
Concept of Pressure at a Point
In a fluid at rest, pressure acts equally in...
Fluid Pressure over Curved Plate of Constant Width
Hydrostatic Pressure Force on a Curved Surface
Pressure of Fluids

