Numerical studies of domains and bubbles of Langmuir monolayers

Abstract

A numerical algorithm based on the finite element methods has been developed to accurately determine the shape of the boundary of a domain containing ``boojum'' textures. Within the context of the simple model we adopt, the effects of both bulk elastic anisotropy and line-tension anisotropy on the domain boundary can be examined. It is found that line-tension anisotropy must be present in order to account for domains with protruding features. Both elastic anisotropy and anisotropic line-tension can result in domains with indentations. The numerical algorithm has been extended to investigate the problem of a bubble in extended region ordered phase.