Function of parts below apparent surface of other parts

[THX1138]

Notice that this thruster appears to be below the surface of this fuel tank. For this reason I avoided the issue by placing thrusters at 45 degrees but this seems to make them less efficient. Is this problem only aesthetic or does it affect the function of the thruster?

Edited January 10, 2015 by THX1138

[DeMatt]

RCS thrusters are unaffected by objects blocking them, so it's purely cosmetic.

[LordFerret]

I've wondered about that myself, and not knowing for sure, have been building as such to avoid it. Good to know!

[Pecan]

Parts 'should' be unaffected by this, it is an artefact of 3d modelling and the physics engine.

Without jargon - parts consist of at least two 'models' - the display model (what it looks like) and the collision model (what physics works with).

The collision model is typically much simpler, to minimise computation, so for most fuel tanks and similar it'll just be a cylinder.

To look good the display model has more detail, such as pipes down the side, ridges around the edge, etc.

You may also find instances where things appear to 'float' above the surface, for the same reason.

[Kryxal]

The easy way in this case to clean it up is not to offset the RCS thrusters, but rotate the fuel tank. It's still good to know, though.

[THX1138]

The easy way in this case to clean it up is not to offset the RCS thrusters, but rotate the fuel tank. It's still good to know, though.

Smart guy!!

[Sirrobert]

Yea that pisses me off to sometimes. No actual gameplay effect though