Based on a relaxation equation for the alignment tensor characterizing the molecular orientation in liquid crystals under flow we present results for the full orientational dynamics of homogeneous liquid crystals in a shear flow. We extend the analysis of the symmetry-adapted states by...

The orientational dynamics of low molecular weight and polymeric nematic liquid crystals in a flow field is investigated, based on a nonlinear relaxation equation for the second rank alignment tensor. Various approximations are discussed: Assuming uniaxial alignment with a constant order...