Rarefaction effects in high-altitude rocket plumes.

A theoretical assessment of rarefaction effects in high-altitude rocket plumes is presented. The plume size and rarefaction conditions are written as a function of the rocket thrust, altitude, and Mach number. Five distinct flow regimes are predicted: Inviscid, merged, transition, first collision and free molecular. The range of thrust and altitude applicable to each of these regimes is estimated and models applicable to each regime are discussed.