Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 March 2011
We present a calculation using a relaxation method for the study of the orientational ordering of a nematic liquid crystal near the surfaces confining the system. We comment on the advantage of using this method as compared with molecular dynamics simulation. The system is simulated by a lattice model with a superposition of isotropic and anisotropic intermolecular interaction of the Maier-Saupe and induced dipole-induced dipole type force for the bulk nematic phase. For the nematic confining surface we consider a Rapini-Papoular interaction. We present simulations for negative dielectric anisotropy.