Speaker
Description
We consider general models for hydrodynamic surface liquid crystals on (self-)evolving surfaces. We focus on nematic liquid crystals and model them using a Q-tensor approach. The model will be derived using the Lagrange-d´Alambert principle. Our Q-tensor is a 3D object defined on the surface. Here we address specific forms, essentially "surface conforming" Q-tensors, with eigenvectors in tangential and normal direction, and explore how special cases, like "flat degenerate" Q-tensors, with vanishing eigenvalue in normal direction, and the opposite case, with the dominating eigenvector pointing in normal direction and vanishing tangential Q-tensor, influence the bending properties of the surface. We demonstrate applications in biology for these special cases, as well as the general case and postulate a mechanical feedback mechanism based on these relations, which has the potential to drive shape evolutions.