Computer simulations of liquid crystals

Abstract Computer simulations of liquid crystals have drastically improved over the last decade, due to increased computing power and novel simulation techniques. Yet, due to the complexity of the system, simulations of lyotropic systems are only at its infancy when compared to those of thermotropic liquid crystals. The general length and time regimes are discussed in terms of atomistic coarse-grained, and continuous simulations, and examples are given for thermotropic LCs. Simulations of lyotropic systems are discussed in terms of hard-rod systems, Gay-Berne simulations and the latest atomistic course-grained approaches. Chromonics, bilayer membranes and biaxial nematic phases are outlined via their computer simulations.