Elasticity theory of smectic and canonic mesophases

The general theory of elasticity for smectic and canonic mesophases is formulated, starting from the assumption that the equilibrium state is spatially periodic. The various surface terms appearing in the deformation free energy density are considered as well. The effective description of the elastic behavior of a general nonchiral smectic mesophase involves one positional elastic constant, 16 bulk orientational elastic constants, and six surface orientational elastic constants. One additional bulk orientational elastic constant is required for the description of a general chiral smectic mesophase. The effective description of the elastic behavior of a general nonchiral canonic mesophase involves six positional elastic constants and three bulk orientational elastic constants. In this case the property of chirality does not introduce additional orientational elastic constants. The elastic constants for some relevant smectic and canonic mesophases are given, including the elastic constants for the antiferroelectric Sm-CA* and ferrielectric Sm-Cα* and Sm-Cγ* phases