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SUMMARY:What an old problem has still to say: the infamous K13-case - Virg
 a\, EG (Universit degli Studi di Pavia)
DTSTART:20130108T163000Z
DTEND:20130108T173000Z
UID:TALK42315@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Mustapha Amrani
DESCRIPTION:Since the introduction in the free-energy density of the K13-e
 lastic term proposed by Nehring and Saupe at the beginning of the 70's on 
 the basis of a molecular theory\, objections have been raised as to both i
 ts variational compatibility and statistical consistency. Often\, the misb
 ehaviours introduced by this elastic term\, which appears as a bulk energy
  but is indeed a surface energy\, are also threateningly referred to as pa
 radoxes. Famous among these are\, in particular\, Oldano-Barbero's and Som
 oza-Tarazona's. These paradoxes have been variously resolved\, but the K13
 -problem is still intriguing. One reason is that yes\, the K13 term is a s
 urface energy\, but by no means is it a null Lagrangian. Another reason is
  that its very motivation\, being statistical in nature\, is rooted in the
  molecular interaction thought of as responsible for liquid crystallinity 
 in the first place. Combining these reasons\, one readily identifies two i
 nterwoven themes of current research: co ntinuum limits and surface proper
 ties. The lecture will attempt to put the history of the K13-problem into 
 the perspective of these avenues.\n
LOCATION:Seminar Room 1\, Newton Institute
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