Spherically symmetric bubble expansion in uniformly superheated infinite pools of liquid have been simulated numerically. Bubble growth curves have been generated for a range of Jakob numbers, 3 less than or equal to Ja less than or equal to 3167, by altering the initial metastable state of the system facilitated by changes in the initial superheat and system pressure. The detailed physics of vapour bubble growth is studied through delineation of the parameters governing the changes in the growth dynamics from surface tension, to inertia dominated, to diffusion controlled, and the domains between them. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.