The dynamics of colloidal intrusions in liquid crystals: a simulation perspective

Understanding the physics and dynamical properties of such composite materials is then of high-technological relevance; it also provides a remarkable challenge from a fundamental science point of view due to the intricacies of the hydrodynamic equations governing their dynamical evolution.

Here, we provide an overview of our current theoretical understanding of the dynamical and hydrodynamic properties of colloid–liquid crystal composites, focussing on the results obtained from computer simulations; no or very limited previous knowledge of the field of liquid crystals is assumed. While our main emphasis is on the dynamics, we also review a selection of equilibrium results and simulations to provide the necessary background.