Engine plumes (Split from AMA questions)
Just FYI your screenshot looks like it was taken on the Mun. As an aerospace engineer, you should know plume expansion changes based on ambient pressure - an underexpanded exhaust at ASL will not be underexpanded in a vacuum - in fact all engines in a vacuum will be overexpanded, as you will never have an infinitely-long nozzle.
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This thread was split off from:
Great discussion everyone!
Although I'm not an expert on rocket exhaust, I wanted to share that the overall shape and composition of the plumes, from atmospheric pressure to vacuum, was partially based on research from the book "Rocket Propulsion Elements" by George P. Sutton.
We held several meetings to discuss key information and to hear what Nate wanted to achieve in KSP2. From this, we devised a plan to create exhaust plumes that would respond to atmospheric pressure (and a host of
