Lubrication theory of smectic A phases

P. Oswald , M. Kléman

We adapt to the smectic case the classical lubrication theory; plastic relaxation by edge dislocations climb is the controlling factor of the process, which appears to be more efficient than in the classical case. We show the existence of a critical velocity for the appearance of the undulation instability of the layers, related to the mobility of the dislocations. We compare these results to experiment.

Mots clés: dislocation climb; dislocation motion; edge dislocations; smectic liquid crystals; smectic A phases; classical lubrication theory; plastic relaxation; edge dislocations climb; critical velocity; undulation instability

Domaines: Articles anciens

P. Oswald, M. Kléman. Lubrication theory of smectic A phases. Journal de Physique Lettres, 1982, 43 (12), pp.411-415. ⟨10.1051/jphyslet:019820043012041100⟩. ⟨jpa-00232069⟩