Mathguy64 said:
I'm trying to imagine the metal plate and all I can think of is that it's directly below the worlds largest plasma cutting torch.
When Elon gets a weird idea in his head there is no stopping him. He's fixated on not having a flame diverted and deluge system.
Not having a flame trench is not just some arbitrary goal that Elon is stuck on. It has a purpose. Being that it removes considerable complexity to any launch complex they will need to build and therefore streamlining the construction of future launch sites.
The fact that there are so many engines on the booster increases the probability of an explosive mishap. On many rockets, this would seal the rocket's fate. So the design of the booster's engine heat shield and thrust puck to withstand these events has been a priority and is inherently mitigating the effects of high heat, pressure, and intense acoustic vibrations in the space between the pad and engines with respect to the booster itself; about 60 vertical feet. So the buildup of immense heat and pressure under the rocket at liftoff is of less concern to Starship when compared to other launch vehicles that do not design their rockets to survive engine RUDs. Elon has said that acoustics is of no concern to the payload since the engines are 400 ft from the payload. I suppose they have data to support this.
So the only issue is durability of the pad under the OLM. I am not sure where you are getting the Elon doesn't want a deluge system. What is understood to be implemented soon is a large steel plate that is water cooled with deluge pipes running through the plate before emitting the deluge water throughout a network of holes in the plate and a series of inward and upward facing nozzles surrounding the pad. Many parts are already on site in lay down yards. The system will be high-flow and operate at a greater pressure than that placed on the pad by the rocket fired at full power.
This should help to prevent destruction of pad concrete and limit debris with the added bonus of minimizing dust and reducing acoustic wave energy at liftoff. I also think Elon said they will shorten the sequence to ignite and throttle up engines to minimize wear on stage 0 during future launches.