Mathematics and computations of liquid crystal elastomers

Poudel, Rabin 2026. Mathematics and computations of liquid crystal elastomers. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are soft materials in which liquid crystal (LC) mesogens are covalently attached to a polymer network while retaining the ability to freely re-orient relative to the polymer matrix. This coupling between polymer deformation and LC rotation leads to complex mechanical behaviours, particularly when the material is subjected to external loads. In this thesis, a theoretical and computational framework is developed to model the elastic and viscous responses of nematic LCEs. The approach combines large-strain viscoelastic responses of the polymer network with the viscoelastic rotation of the nematic director, allowing the separate yet interacting mechanisms to be represented within a unified constitutive model. A finite element framework is formulated and implemented to approximate the resulting nonlinear viscoelastic behaviour. The occurrence of different localisation mechanisms in inhomogeneous deformation characteristic of LCEs can be demonstrated both theoretically and numerically using this framework. Numerical simulations successfully reproduce the mechanical phenomena and illustrate the influence of model parameters during loading and unloading. The modelling approach also provides a foundation for incorporating more complex constitutive functions and additional couplings with environmental stimul

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Mathematics
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	2 November 2026
Last Modified:	02 Nov 2026 16:43
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/190563

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