Why are parts on the same craft able to phase through each other?

[b0ss]

Is there a computational explanation behind it?

[simonh]

I think it's because most attached parts overlap with each other to some extent. Generally we don't notice or choose not to and only really become conscious of it when landing legs or antennae deploy through fuel tanks and such, but it's actually happening all the time.

Simon Hibbs

[steve_v]

Once upon a time, there were same-craft collisions. Parts on the same vessel, when placed too close together, caused explosions, phantom forces and other fun effects. People complained, same-craft collisions went away.

[Snark]

3 hours ago, steve_v said:

Once upon a time, there were same-craft collisions. Parts on the same vessel, when placed too close together, caused explosions, phantom forces and other fun effects. People complained, same-craft collisions went away.

^ This.  It's a playability thing.

Plus, some players like to deliberately design ships with parts that intersect each other (it's called "clipping") in order to achieve certain visual styles or rocket performance.

[steve_v]

16 minutes ago, Snark said:

to achieve certain visual styles or rocket performance

And cliping is pretty much required for area ruling supersonic aircraft with FAR

Edited September 2, 2016 by steve_v