Engine Wash Prop
With the recent 'smashing glass' special effect, it makes me wonder if anyone could make something similar, on a smaller size (but rescale-able) for simulating the wash of jet engines?
Options to show debris of various types kicking up. Dirt, broken plastic/metal, sand, etcetera... With a primary prop which is largely invisible, but with some sort of shader to represent a distorted heat haze (which could possibly be converted, on its own, to give a 'cloaking effect' to figures and vehicles), which can then be parented to the thrust of an engine? If rescaled, I could also see this working well for simulating the wash from a helicopter's blades, too.
Alternatively, if viewed underwater, this could have a secondary use for depicting submersible thrust, too. Maybe with an optional different 'heat haze' effect to make it look as if there's bubbles. Especially if the prop can be easy-posed.