On the flow of liquid crystals through 90° bends

During the processing of nematic soft solids through process flow elements (pipe bends, elbows, etc.), constitutive behavior makes its presence felt via (with rheology driven effects increasing pressure drop) and final product microstructure. This paper explores microstructure configurations liquid crystals in a 90° pipe bends with different types wall anchoring. The governing equations Leslie–Ericksen theory are solved numerically newly developed OpenFOAM solver. We show that bend curvature deforms axis distribution; distortion can be either by elastic or hydrodynamic effects. interaction between field generates non-zero normal stresses (in radial, azimuthal, streamwise directions), which produce secondary increase losses. strength depends on type anchoring Ericksen number; homeotropic anchoring, decreasing number increases relative respect to mean velocity). Conversely, homogeneous (planar) reduces stresses, thus weakening strength. as fluid enters/leaves bend, there is perturbation transverse velocity caused stress gradients. magnitude material properties values at exit entrance. Finally, we spatial development downstream controlled both number.