This article investigates the effects of an external magnetic field on the Freedericksz transition for an elastically anisotropic nematic liquid crystal sample occupying the annular region between two concentric cylinders in relative (slow) rotation. Assuming both azimuthal and radial magnetic fields and strong anchoring conditions for the liquid crystal director perpendicular to the surface of the cylinders, we investigate and characterize the differences in the director distortions and the critical field value for the onset of the transition.

Freedericksz transition, Couette flow, elastic anisotropy.