We present three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of an hydrod
ynamical supersonic jet, comparing them to analogous results obtained
in two dimensions. The differences seen between three-dimensional and
two-dimensional jet evolution including faster evolution, enhanced mix
ing and larger jet momentum depletion, are interpreted in terms of spe
cific physical differences between these two cases. We have identified
two main physical differences: The first is the faster development of
small-scale structures in three dimensions, through either the growth
of linearly unstable non-axisymmetric (three-dimensional) modes or th
e non-linear cascade of energy to smaller scales; the second is the di
fferent scaling of volumes in the two cases. Based on our 2-D and 3-D
results, we discuss the limitations of using two-dimensional simulatio
ns to capture the evolution of three-dimensional jets.