Studies have been conducted in a one-inch-square shock tube to determine the effect of shock waves in the breaking up of burning and non-burning liquid fuel droplets. Experimental data shows the existence of two main classes of breakup; a bag-type and a shear-type occurs for both burning and non-burning drops. The type of breakup and the critical velocity required to cause breakup are found to be significantly influenced by the duration of the flow plateau following the shock front; however, as yet, no generalized correlation has been established. The critical velocity for burning drops was found to be slightly lower than for non-burning drops of RP-1, probably due to differences in surface tension. The effect of test section pressure was examined briefly, and it appears that the ratio of critical velocity varies inversely as the 3/4 power of the pressure ratios. Possible application to rocket combustion instability is discussed.
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