Molecular dynamics is used to simulate nematic liquid crystal structures confined to a submicron cylindrical cavity. Molecules, fixed at the lattice points, are set to interact via a modified induced-dipole–induced-dipole type coupling. Stability regions of characteristic nematic structures are determined as functions of the cylinder radius, homeotropic anchoring strength, and degree of the interaction anisotropy. A connection linking elastic and microscopic approaches is established. Results confirm most of the predictions of the elastic free energy deep in the submicron regime.

• Received 10 August 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.58.7447