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We derive a multiphysics model that accounts for network elasticity withspontaneous strains, swelling and nematic interactions in liquid crystal gels(LCGs). We discuss the coupling among the various physical mechanisms, withparticular reference to the effects of nematic interactions on chemicalequilibrium and that of swelling on the nematic-isotropic transition. Buildingupon this discussion and using numerical simulations, we explore the transientphenomena involving concurrent swelling and phase transition in LCGs subject toa temperature change. Specifically, we demonstrate separation in time scalesbetween solvent uptake and phase change, in agreement with experiments, whichdetermines a kinetic decoupling between shape and volume changes. Finally, wediscuss possible applications in the context of microswimmers, where such akinetic decoupling is exploited to achieve non-reciprocal actuation and netmotion in Stokes flow.

Coupled swelling and nematic reordering in liquid crystal gels