A nonlinear viscoelasticity theory for nematic liquid crystal elastomers

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) are elastomeric networks with mesogen moieties that can reorient and order in response to thermomechanical loads. Experiments have shown the stress of nematic LCEs is rate-dependent exhibits large hysteresis upon load–unload. In this work, we developed a theory for deformation viscoelastic behavior monodomain separately incorporates hypothesized dissipation mechanisms viscous rotation network deformation. The specialized case homogeneous director field applied investigate contributions uniaxial materials orientation parallel perpendicular loading axis.