Inverse Design of Axisymmetric Shapes in Glassy Nematic Bilayers

Abstract

Programming desired shapes of stimuli-responsive nematic sheets is a challenging yet crucial problem for morphing applications. Here, we propose a strategy for inverse design of axisymmetric shapes via circular bilayers composed of two glassy nematic layers with radially symmetric and orthogonal director fields. In this situation, an explicit link can be established between the director orientation and the bilayer deflection. The result provides a recipe for how to construct a director pattern which, upon stimulation, leads to a prescribed shape of revolution. For illustration, two examples concerning simply supported and loosely clamped bilayer discs are given.