Scaling properties of soft-core parallel spherocylinders near the crystal–smectic-phase transition

By carrying out constant-pressure molecular-dynamics simulations near the melting transition from crystal to smectic liquid crystal, we characterize the scaling properties of systems composed of soft-core parallel spherocylinders. Properties at the transition have a clear dependence on the length-to-width ratio of the cylinder. These scaling properties are explained by introducing the concept of the temperature dependence of the effective core of the spherocylinders. Utilizing these scaling properties, the equations of state of systems with different anisotropy can be scaled onto one another.