Liquid Crystals and their Computer Simulations

Claudio Zannoni obtained his PhD in Chemical Physics from Southampton University in 1975 and has been Professor of Physical Chemistry (now Emeritus) at the University of Bologna since 1987. He has extensive experience in the field, having published some 300 papers and delivered over 350 lectures worldwide on computer simulations and molecular theories of liquid crystals. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Bonino Medal of the Italian Chemical Society. In 1998 he founded and now directs the International School of Liquid Crystals.

• Preface. 1. Phases and mesophases; 2. Phase transitions; 3. Order parameters; 4. Distributions; 5. Particle-particle interactions; 6. Dynamics; 7. Molecular theories; 8. Monte Carlo; 9. Molecular dynamics; 10. Lattice models; 11. Molecular simulations; 12. Atomistic simulations. Appendices. References. Subject index.

'This is the first comprehensive textbook on computer simulations of liquid crystals, written by its pioneer and white knight, Prof. Claudio Zannoni. The book's unique quality is in its demonstration of how the often-mysterious properties of liquid crystals are shaped by microscopic interactions. The presentation follows decades of world-leading research by the author and his group in Bologna and is a must-read for both newcomers and experts in the science of liquid crystals; it will also benefit scientists in other fields, most notably soft matter.' Oleg D. Lavrentovich, Kent State University