Shape parametrization for liquid-drop studies

We present a new method for defining axially symmetric shapes which is particularly appropriate for describing elongated and multineck configurations. This shape parametrization is used to describe the static properties of incompressible, charged liquid drops. In particular, we calculate the properties of binary-fission saddle points and compare these with results using other methods. We also present the geometrical properties and normal mode analyses of the two-and three-necked saddle-point families. NUCLEAR REACTIONS, FISSION Liquid-drop model; new shape parametrization; calculated binary-fission saddle points, multinecked saddle points, normal modes of saddle-point shapes; Werner-Wheeler approximation.