This paper reports on an application of large-eddy simulation (LES) to a spatially-developing round turbulent buoyant jet. The numerical method used is based on a low-Mach-number version of the governing equations for compressible flow which can account for density variations. The second-order centre-difference scheme is used for spatial discretization and an Adams-Bashforth scheme for temporal discretization. Comparisons are made between LES results, experimental measurements and plume theory for the forced plume under moderate Reynolds number and good agreement has been achieved. It is found that the plume spreading and the centerline maximum mean velocity strongly depend on the forcing conditions imposed on the inflow plane. The helical mode of instability leads to a larger spreading rate as compared to an axisymmetric mode. The enhanced entrainment is directly related to the strong turbulent momentum and energy transports between the plume and surrounding fluid induced by vortex dynamics. The entrainment ratio is about 0.09 and falls into the range of experimentally determined values. Budgets of the mean momentum and energy equations are analyzed. It is found that the radial turbulent transport nearly balances the streamwise convection and the buoyancy force in the axial momentum equation. Also, the radial turbulent stress is balanced by the streamwise convection in the energy equation. The energy-spectrum for the axial velocity fluctuations shows a -5/3 power law of the Kolmogorov decay, while the power spectrum for the temperature fluctuations shows both -5/3 and -3 power laws in the inertial-convective and inertial-diffusive ranges, respectively. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.