Theoretical Estimates for Elastic Properties of Biaxial Nematics

Using theoretical analysis based on Landau theory, it is shown that only five phenomenological parameters are necessary to describe the twelve bulk elastic constants of a biaxial nematic phase. Further, a simple method for determining the values of these five parameters experimentally is given. Comparison with the values of the well-known splay, twist, and bend elastic constants of the uniaial nematic is made.