Statistical theory of the elastic constants of nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

A statistical mechanical theory of the Frank elastic constants is formulated. The free energy functional is constructed for the deformed sample and the free energy density is defined for the case of small spatial gradients. The Frank constants are expressed in terms of the direct correlation function c(1, 2) and the orientational single particle distribution function. For the example of Onsager spherocylinders three constants K ₁, K ₂ and K ₃ are calculated. The results of these calculations are similar to those given by Priest and by Straley.