Elastic constants of hard thin platelets by Monte Carlo simulation and virial expansion

In this paper we present an investigation into the calculation of the Frank elastic constants of hard platelets via molecular simulation and virial expansion beyond second order. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out and director fluctuations measured as a function of wave vector k, giving the elastic constants through a fit in the low- k limit. Additionally, the virial expansion coefficients of the elastic constants up to sixth order were calculated, and the validity of the theory determined by comparison with the simulation results. The simulation results are also compared with experimental measurements on colloidal suspensions of platelike particles.