In this paper the structure of the Taylor meniscus and emitted
jet is studied by
perturbation methods in the limit of low flow rates. An asymptotic system
of governing
equations is derived from the basic equations of electrohydrodynamics.
They
rigorously take into account the inertia and viscosity of the liquid as
well as the
surface ion mobility. The solutions to the asymptotic equations in the
meniscus, jet
and surrounding gas regions are found, matched with each other, and applied
to study
distributions of electric and hydrodynamic variables. Such an approach
allows the liquid
velocity, surface charge, and meniscus-jet radius as well as electric potential
inside
and outside the liquid to be calculated. We also derive the theoretical
dependences
of the current carried by the jet and its diameter on the liquid properties
and flow
rate. These dependences are consistent with the scaling laws found experimentally
by
Fernández de la Mora & Loscertales (1994) and data
obtained by Chen & Pui (1997).