We present an initial evaluation of the role of the Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM)
instability in supernova remnant (SNR) formation. Although the Rayleigh-Tay
lor (RT) instability is most often considered in the canonical picture of S
NR formation, the theoretical penetration depths for RM instability suggest
that it could play a significant role in the early stages of SNR formation
. We have used the code PROMETHEUS to perform a sequence of two-dimensional
hydrodynamic simulations in order to test this possibility. Here we discus
s a case in which we impose a large perturbation in the expanding ejecta be
hind the reverse shock. The interaction of the reverse shock with the pertu
rbation produces significant early RM growth, with spikes penetrating from
the contact surface to near the forward shock. Then the RM instability weak
ens, RT growth eventually dominates, and the perturbation of the forward sh
ock diminishes. We conclude that RM instability growth due to the type of p
erturbation we have studied might contribute to, but alone cannot account f
or, the observed radio and X-ray structures that extend to the forward shoc
k in such SNRs as supernova 1006.