Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
Department
Chemical Engineering
First Advisor
Ali Lohi
Second Advisor
Simant R Upreti
Third Advisor
Philip K Chan
Abstract
Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films play an important role in liquid crystal display technology. PDLC films consist of nematic bipolar droplets dispersed randomly in a polymer matrix. In this work, the effect of droplet shape, physical properties, and external field strength is examined on the performance of PDLC films. Finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM) are used to model a single droplet with external field applied parallel to the droplet axis of symmetry. Results of previous simulations with FEM are reproduced and compared with those with FDM. Genetric algorithm is employed to determine the optimum aspect ratio, and elastic constant ratio for the droplet, and external field strength with respect to minimum energy, response time, and relaxation time.
Recommended Citation
Akbarzadeh, Vajiheh, "Simulation, system analysis, and optimization of nematic bipolar droplet in polymer dispersed liquid crystal films" (2008). Theses and dissertations. Paper 649.
http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/dissertations/649