As the gravitational force becomes small, the relative importance of the surface tension increases. Confining ourselves to a stationary axisymmetric case, we can show the rather peculiar shape of a pendent drop with a lumpy column in its central portion and a wavy skirt in its surrounding.
Characteristic parameter is the Bond number, B, defined by B=σgaa²/T where σ, g, a, T denote the density difference between two media, the acceleration of gravity, a certain characteristic length and the surface tension, respectively.
Computer results for various values of B are given graphically. For small values of B, the shape changes rapidly and an analytical expression up to the first bottle-neck point is obtained by matching the solutions locally valid in several portions. Photographs taken by the use of castor oil and water as two fluids are also shown.