Abstract
We present a general method to compute the elastic forces exerted on nematic point defects: these are the forces that set defects in motion, and so they are especially relevant to defect dynamics, a subject which is recently attracting much interest. These forces are mediated by the distortion introduced by defects in the director field; for example, they are responsible for the attraction between defects of opposite topological charge.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 307-319 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- elastic forces
- nematic point defects