Abstract: A linearized stability analysis and a numerical calculation are carried out for the mechanism of atomization of a second-order fluid jet. In spite of the importance of atomization in applications, the mechanism that controls atomization processes has not yet been made clear even though several theorys have been proposed. In this paper the viscosity effects and elasticity effects of a second-order fluid for the atomization process are determined qualitatively and compared with Rei'z and Bracco's experimental...