Physics.cfg Aerodynamic Curves

[BinaryDude]

I am doing some research into the aerodynamics in Kerbal Space Program. This is more of a question for the developers, but anyone can help.

1. Are aerodynamic transitions smooth or instantaneous? (i.e. Mach)
2. Assuming it is smooth, what fit is used to combine each quadratic? (i.e. Corresponding monomials for each mach)

If anyone knows the answer to these, I would be appreciative.

Lift coefficient example:

Spoiler

lift // Converts Sin(AoA) into a lift coefficient (Cl) then multiplied by the below mach multiplier, dynamic pressure, the wing area, and the global lift multiplier
		{
			key = 0 0 0 1.965926
			key = 0.258819 0.5114774 1.990092 1.905806
			key = 0.5 0.9026583 0.7074468 -0.7074468
			key = 0.7071068 0.5926583 -2.087948 -1.990095
			key = 1 0 -2.014386 -2.014386
		}

Cl = 16.802 x^6 + 17.2609 x^5 - 88.3068 x^4 + 105.285 x^3 - 71.9219 x^2 + 14.8863 x + 1.96593

WolframAlpha: https://goo.gl/qCqzxV

 

 

[GoSlash27]

BinaryDude,

The curves are smooth and they use spline curves to define them. @NathanKell is the guy to ask about them; I believe he's the one who wrote the code and set the values.

Best,
-Slashy

[BinaryDude]

Thanks Slash, will ask him about it if I need to.