A mathematical model capable of predicting the shock and flow structur
e of turbulent, underexpanded jets is described. The model is based on
solutions of the fluid flow equations obtained using a second-order a
ccurate, finite-volume integration scheme together with an adaptive gr
id algorithm. Closure of these equations is achieved using a k-epsilon
turbulence model coupled to the compressible dissipation rate correct
ion proposed by Sarkar et al. (1991a). Extending earlier work which de
monstrated the ability of this model to predict the structure of moder
ately underexpanded jets, the present paper compares model predictions
and experimental data, reported in the literature, on a number of hig
hly underexpanded releases. The results obtained demonstrate that the
model yields reliable predictions of shock structure in the near field
, inviscid region of such jets, while in the far field results derived
using the compressibility corrected turbulence model are adequate for
predicting mean flow properties, and are superior to those obtained u
sing a standard k-epsilon approach.