Unsteady evolutions of vortex rings with linearly distributed vorticity and various core parameters are considered in an unbounded, inviscid fluid. The instability of a Norbury vortex with a moderate core thickness parameter &agr; is also investigated. Contour integral expressions based on the Biot–Savart law for the velocity field induced by a vortex ring are derived. Numerical results show that all vortex rings except the Norbury vortices will undergo an unsteady evolution process to reach an asymptotic state. The process may be roughly divided into two major stages: initial large deformation stage and later asymptotic oscillating stage. Vortex filamentation is often observed during the first stage. In the second stage, the vortex oscillates periodically with nearly constant amplitude; its core closely resembles a Norbury vortex having the same circulation and impulse, but the dynamic properties and kinetic energies are different. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.