Mesoscopic Approach to Nematic Fluids

Abstract

This chapter on mesoscopic approach to nematic fluids gives a brief introduction to the selected topics of the science of complex nematic fluids, which are fluids with internal orientational order of the building blocks, specifically focusing at the mesoscopic scale. We introduce basic approaches used to characterise and understand nematic fluids at mesoscopic scale, both in equilibrium and dynamics. Using relevant order parameters, we outline Landau--de Gennes free energy approach which is today the strong tool for determining equilibrium material behaviour, and the Ericksen--Leslie--Parodi and Beris--Edwards models which are strong tools for describing dynamics of nematic fluids. Second half of this chapter reviews some selected highlights of current research in the field of nematic fluids, focusing on nematic microfluidics and nematic colloids.