Statics and dynamics of the Lebwohl-Lasher model in the Bethe approximation

We study the Lebwohl-Lasher model for systems in which spins are arranged on random graph lattices. At equilibrium our analysis follows the theory of spin-systems on random graphs which allows us to derive exact bifurcation conditions for the phase diagram. We also study the dynamics of this model using a variant of the dynamical replica theory. Our results are tested against simulations. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.