In the present study, the transiently developing free jet emanating from a laser-impacted surface is considered. The jet velocity profiles are varied with time in connection with the vapor jet velocity profiles emanating from the laser-produced cavity. Consequently, jet expansion from the laser cavity situation is modelled in the simulations. The jet exiting profiles measured previously are employed in the present simulations. Since the thermophysical properties of the laser-produced vapor are unknown, air properties are used for the jet in the simulations. A numerical method employing control volume approach is introduced to discretize governing equations of flow and energy. It is found that in the early period, jet behavior is similar to slowly flowing jets as reported in the literature. The self-similar transient jet behavior occurs as the time progresses; in which case jet exit velocity profiles become similar. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.