Editing Onsager theory
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The '''Onsager theory''' for the isotropic-[[nematic phase |nematic]] phase transition was developed by [[Lars Onsager]] (Ref. 1). | The '''Onsager theory''' for the isotropic-[[nematic phase |nematic]] phase transition was developed by [[Lars Onsager]] (Ref. 1). | ||
In a 3-dimensional gas of [[ | In a 3-dimensional gas of [[hard rods]] there are two contributions to the [[entropy]]: a part due to translation and a part due to orientation. These two contributions are coupled. From the point of view of the translational component of the entropy, | ||
a parallel configuration of the rods is favored. This is because the excluded volume is effectively zero. However, from an | a parallel configuration of the rods is favored. This is because the excluded volume is effectively zero. However, from an | ||
orientational point of view a gas of perfectly aligned rods is a very low entropy configuration. | orientational point of view a gas of perfectly aligned rods is a very low entropy configuration. |