Witold Brostow , Manus Donahue III, Cathryn E. Karashin, Ricardo Simoes

Laboratory of Polymers and Composites (LAPOM), Department of Materials Science, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203-5310, USA
brostow@unt.edu

ABSTRACT

We create polymer liquid crystals (PLCs) on a computer and subject them to constant-force tensile deformations. Molecular dynamics simulation procedure is used and graphical models and animations of crack formation and propagation as a function of time are generated. Special attention is given to realistic rigid LC island geometry and the island spatial distribution in the material. Internal fracture processes can now be easily studied. As a result of the numerous animations recorded, clear patterns in PLC crack initiation and propagation emerge. With the help of the animations, the structure of PLCs may be understood without having to resort to costly laboratory experimentation.