On the Equilibria of the Extended Nematic Polymers under Elongational Flow

Abstract

We classify the equilibrium solutions of the Smoluchowski equation for dipolar (extended) rigid nematic polymers under imposed elongational flow. The Smoluchowski equation couples the Maier-Saupe short-range interaction, dipole-dipole interaction, and an external elongational flow. We show that all stable equilibria of rigid, dipolar rod dispersions under imposed uniaxial elongational flow field are axisymmetric. This finding of axisymmetry significantly simplifies any procedure of obtaining experimentally observable equilibria.