Influence of surface elasticity on periodic splay-twist Freedericksz transition in a nematic cell

On the basis of local stability analysis we have studied how the surfacelike elastic terms influence periodic splaytwist Freedericksz transition in a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) sandwiched between two parallel plates. It is assumed that the planar anchoring favored at both walls and magnetic field is normal to the confining surfaces. The restriction imposed on K24 is obtained. The critical ratio of the twist and splay elastic constants is calculated as a function of K24. It is found that there is a critical value of K 24 , such that the transition is inhibited under K24 exceeds this value. Influence of the anchoring energy strength on the critical value of K24 is investigated.