Shape of falling liquid

alanrath-Its possible that surface tension is at work here. James

Surface tension is the reason that liquids "holds togetheter". Also, assuming that I'm visualizing your question correctly, the other major factor would be the variation in kinetic energy imparted within the poured stream or maybe better communicated as the effects of acceleration due to gravity on the freefalling stream. This is probally true up to a certain terminal velocity.

I thought I knew the answer and finally found it on a physics forum. Assuming steady flow, the same flow rate at any two positions is density*cross-sectional area*velocity. Since the density is constant, A1V1=A2V2. As the liquid falls the velocity increases due to gravity causing A2 to decrease.

yeah ,

according to bernoulli's equation

P/gh + Z + V^2/2g = constant

just studied from my fluid mechanics subject

The falling liquid accelerates due to gravity, therefore for a constant flowrate the cross-sectional area of the jet reduces with distance from the pour point. At a critical point, surface tension forces begin to overtake viscous forces, and the stream breaks up into droplets below that point.

16*t² the liquid follows the same laws as any other falling object. The liquid just keeps going faster and faster. Perhaps the surface tension may slow the acceleration some but that what does it.

I am sure boundary layer theory also applies in this case. The jet becomes more and more aerated (the boundary layer grows) until a mixture of air and water also known as "white water" is formed.