Dynamics of the field-induced twist deformation in weakly anchored nematic layers

The dynamics of the field-induced one-dimensional twist deformation in weakly anchored nematic layers was investigated by means of numerical simulation. The rise time constants and the decay time constants, characteristic for the onset and for the decay of the deformation, respectively, were determined. The time of delay, which had passed before the decay started, was revealed in the case of finite anchoring. For weaker anchoring, the time of delay and the decay time constant were longer. Surprisingly, the onset of the deformation was slower when the anchoring was weaker, provided that the ratio of the actual field strength to the threshold field strength was fixed.