Orientational transitions of two-dimensional hard rod fluids

Abstract

Abstract ‘Scaled particle theory’ is applied to a two-dimensional fluid of hard ellipses. The model predicts a transition from the isotropic alignment of the ellipses to the two-dimensional nematic configuration in accordance with Monte Carlo simulations. By modifying the molecular shape it is possible to consider an ensemble of hard rectangular particles. The phases observed and the character of the orientational transition turn out to be strongly dependent on details of the particle geometry.