  Isotropic-Nematic and Nematic-Nematic transitions from a homogeneous base
state of a suspension of high aspect ratio, rod-like magnetic particles are
studied for both Maier-Saupe and the Onsager excluded volume potentials. A
combination of classical linear stability and asymptotic analyses provides
insight into possible nematic states emanating from both the isotropic and
nematic non-polarized equilibrium states. Local analytical results close to
critical points in conjunction with global numerical results (Bhandar, 2002)
yields a unified picture of the bifurcation diagram and provides a convenient
base state to study effects of external orienting fields.
