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Flight Mechanics Modeling
and Analysis
Flight Mechanics Modeling and Analysis comprehensively covers flight mechanics
and flight dynamics using a systems approach.
This book focuses on applied mathematics and control theory in its discussion of
flight mechanics to build a strong foundation for solving design and control prob-
lems in the areas of flight simulation and flight data analysis. The second edition has
been expanded to include two new chapters and coverage of aeroservoelastic topics
and engineering mechanics, presenting more concepts of flight control and aircraft
parameter estimation.
This book is intended for senior undergraduate aerospace students taking Aircraft
Mechanics, Flight Dynamics & Controls, and Flight Mechanics courses. It will also be
of interest to research students and R&D project-scientists of the same disciplines.
Including end-of-chapter exercises and illustrative examples with a MATLAB®-
based approach, this book also includes a Solutions Manual and Figure Slides for
adopting instructors.
Features:
• Covers flight mechanics, flight simulation, flight testing, flight control, and
aeroservoelasticity.
• Features artificial neural network- and fuzzy logic-based aspects in modeling
and analysis of flight mechanics systems: aircraft parameter e stimation and
reconfiguration of control.
• Focuses on a systems-based approach.
• Includes two new chapters, numerical simulation examples with MATLAB®-
based implementations, and end-of-chapter exercises.
• Includes a Solutions Manual and Figure Slides for adopting instructors.
Flight Mechanics Modeling
and Analysis
Second Edition
Jitendra R. Raol
Jatinder Singh
MATLAB® is a trademark of The MathWorks, Inc. and is used with permission. The MathWorks
does not warrant the accuracy of the text or exercises in this book. This book’s use or discus-
sion of MATLAB® software or related products does not constitute endorsement or sponsorship by
The MathWorks of a particular pedagogical approach or particular use of the MATLAB® software.
Except as permitted under U.S. Copyright Law, no part of this book may be reprinted, reproduced, trans-
mitted, or utilized in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter
invented, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval
system, without written permission from the publishers.
For permission to photocopy or use material electronically from this work, access www.copyright.com or contact
the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400. For works
that are not available on CCC please contact m
pkbookspermissions@tandf.co.uk
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are used
only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.
DOI: 10.1201/9781003293514
Typeset in Times
by codeMantra
Introduction�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
I.1 Modeling������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 2
I.2 Flight Simulation����������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
I.3 Flight Control���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
I.4 Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) in Control������������������������� 4
I.5 Fuzzy Logic-Based Control������������������������������������������������������� 5
I.6 Evaluation of Aircraft Control-Pilot Interactions���������������������� 6
I.7 Chapter Highlights�������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
References������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 10
xix
xx Preface
There are several good books on flight mechanics/dynamics but these either do
not approach the subject from systems’ point of view or the treatment of such aspects
as outlined above is somewhat limited or specialized. The systems approach inher-
ently borrows the ideas and concepts from applied mathematics; mathematical model
building, especially based on empirical methods, control theory, and signal/data anal-
ysis methods; also, concepts from linear algebra and matrix computation are greatly
used. Collective study of these concepts – aerodynamics, engineering dynamics, and
control system methods – lends itself to a synergy that can be described in short as
flight mechanics modeling and analysis. The new-generation paradigms of artificial
neural network- and fuzzy logic-based modeling are gradually making their way
into flight dynamic modeling and associated parameter estimation, simulation, and
control technologies; hence, these topics are also integrated in here, perhaps, for the
first time in a book on flight mechanics.
The end users of this integrated technology of Flight Mechanics Modeling and
Analysis will be aero-systems-educational institutions, aerospace R&D laboratories,
aerospace industries, flight test agencies, and transportation/automotive industry.
Interestingly, some other industrial and mechanical engineering centers might be
able to derive a good benefit from certain material of this book.
xxi
Authors
Jitendra R. Raol had received B. E. and M.
E. degrees in electrical engineering from M. S.
University (MSU) of Baroda, Vadodara, in 1971
and 1973, respectively, and Ph.D. (in electrical &
computer engineering) from McMaster University,
Hamilton, Canada, in 1986, and at both the places,
he was also a postgraduate research and teaching
assistant. He had joined the National Aeronautical
Laboratory (NAL) in 1975. At CSIR-NAL, he was
involved in the activities on human pilot modeling
in fix- and motion-based research flight simulators.
He re-joined NAL in 1986 and retired in July 2007
as Scientist-G (and Head, flight mechanics, and
control division at CSIR-NAL).
He had visited Syria, Germany, The United Kingdom, Canada, China, the
United States of America, and South Africa on deputation/fellowships to (i) work
on research problems on system identification, neural networks, parameter estima-
tion, multi-sensor data fusion, and robotics; (ii) present technical papers at interna-
tional conferences; and/or (iii) deliver guest lectures at some of these places. He had
given several guest lectures at many Indian colleges and universities, and Honeywell
(HTSL, Bangalore).
He was a Fellow of the IEE/IET (United Kingdom) and a senior member of the
IEEE (United States). He is a life-fellow of the Aeronautical Society of India and a
life member of the Systems Society of India. During his studies at the MSU, he had
received Suba Rao memorial prize and M. C. Ghia charitable fellowship. In 1976, he
had won K. F. Antia Memorial Prize of the Institution of Engineers (India) for his
research paper on nonlinear filtering. He was awarded a certificate of merit by the
Institution of Engineers (India) for his paper on parameter estimation of unstable
systems. He had received the best poster paper award from the National Conference
on Sensor Technology (New Delhi) for a paper on sensor data fusion. He had also
received a gold medal and a certificate for a paper related to target tracking (from
the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers, India). He is also
one of the (5) recipients of the CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,
India) prestigious technology shield for the year 2003 for the leadership and contri-
butions to the development of Integrated Flight Mechanics and Control Technology
for Aerospace Vehicles in the country; the shield was associated with a plaque, a
certificate, and a project-grant-prize of INRs. 3,000,000 for the project work. He was
one of the five recipients of the Chellaram Foundation Diabetes Research Award-
2018 for the best paper (presented at the 2nd International Diabetes Summit, March
2018, Pune, India, which carried a prize of 100,000 INRs.). He has received Sir
Thomas Ward memorial prize of the Institution of Engineers (India) in 2019 (jointly)
xxiii
xxiv Authors
for the paper on Image Centroid Tracking with Fuzzy Logic…, and it carried a gold
medal and a certificate. He is featured in the list of the Stanford University (USA) as
one of the top 2% scientists/researchers of the world for the year 2019.
He has published nearly 150 research papers and numerous technical reports. He
had Guest-edited two special issues of Sadhana (an engineering journal published by
the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore) on (i) advances in modeling, system iden-
tification, and parameter estimation (jointly with Late Prof. Dr. Naresh Kumar Sinha)
and (ii) multi-source, multi-sensor information fusion. He had also Guest-edited two
special issues of the Defense Science Journal (New Delhi, India) on (i) mobile intel-
ligent autonomous systems (jointly with Dr. Ajith K. Gopal, CSIR-SA), and (ii) aero-
space avionics and allied technologies (jointly with Prof. A. Ramachandran, MSRIT).
He has co-authored an IEE/IET (London, UK) Control Series book Modeling
and Parameter Estimation of Dynamic Systems (2004), a CRC Press (Florida, USA)
book Flight Mechanics Modeling and Analysis (2009), a CRC Press book Nonlinear
Filtering: Concepts and Engineering Applications (2017), and a CRC Press book
Control Systems: Classical, Modern, and AI based Approaches (2019). He has also
authored CRC Press books Multi-sensor Data Fusion with MATLAB (2010), and
Data Fusion Mathematics–Theory and Practice (2015). He has edited (with Ajith K.
Gopal) a CRC press book Mobile Intelligent Autonomous Systems (2012).
He has served as a member/chairman of numerous advisory-, technical project review-,
and doctoral examination committees. He has also conducted sponsored research and
worked on several projects from industry as well as other R&D organizations to CSIR-
NAL with substantial budget. Under his technical guidance, eleven doctoral and eight
master research scholars have had received their degrees successfully. He is a reviewer
of a dozen national/international journals, and has evaluated several M. Tech./Doctoral
theses (from India and overseas). He had been with MSRIT (M. S. Ramaiah Institute of
Technology, Bengaluru) as emeritus professor for five years; with the Govt. College of
Engineering, Kunnur (Kerala) as a senior research advisor; and with the Department
of Aerospace Engineering (IISc., Bangalore) as a consultant on modeling and parameter
estimation for the Type I diabetes patients’ data for a period of three months.
His main research interests have been and are data fusion, system identification,
state/parameter estimation, flight mechanics-flight data analysis, H-infinity filter-
ing, nonlinear filtering, artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic systems, genetic algo-
rithms, and soft technologies for robotics.
He has also authored a few books as the collection of his 320 (free-) verses on
various facets closely related to science, philosophy, evolution, and life itself. He
has also contributed 62 articles and 830 ‘bites’ (long quotes) on matrubharti.com
(#1 Indian Content Community) and 7 ebooks on Amazon KDP (kindle direct
publishing) covering social, philosophical, science, and human life-related aspects
and issues. He is one of the most downloaded one hundred English authors of the
matrubharti.com for the year 2021.
His new area of study and research is data-systems analytics (DaSyA).
Authors xxv
DOI: 10.1201/9781003293514-1 1
2 Flight Mechanics Modeling and Analysis
Interactions between
inertial, elastic and
aerodynamic forces
(aeroelasticity/flutter)
Vehicle performance
(range, endurance, rate of
Newton’s Laws of climb, take-off and
Flight mechanics- landing, flight path
motion/coordinate
rigid body 6DOF optimization) and
systems/math EOM
modeling handling qualities
evaluation/simulation
validation
FIGURE I.1 Interaction of several disciplines in the study of flight mechanics (collectively
often called flight dynamics).
I.1 MODELING
The modeling of aircraft dynamics involves mainly the characterization of the aero-
dynamic forces and moments. Modeling, identification, parameter estimation, and
simulation play a very significant role in the present-day system analysis of complex
dynamic systems including aerospace vehicles. The information obtained from the
application of these techniques can be routinely used for flight simulation, design and
development of flight control laws, and prediction (including simulation) of dynamic
phenomena of these vehicles.
Flight motions of an aircraft can be described by non-linear coupled differential
equations based on Newton’s laws of motion of a rigid body, with several associated
constants and parameters that are mass and geometry-related coefficients, aerody-
namic coefficients, and aerodynamic stability and control derivatives. Simplification
can be made by using relevant assumptions. An aircraft is considered as a dynamic
system that can be studied directly by doing some experiments with it or by utiliz-
ing its mathematical model. For aircraft, both are possible: the latter is done in the
design and development stage, and the former is done when the vehicle is ready for
flight tests. Flight mechanics analysis, flight simulation, flight control design, and
partly the handling quality analysis (HQA) are carried out using the mathematical
models. Subsequently, the flight data are obtained from flight tests on the aircraft
at several flight conditions (defined by altitude and Mach number). These data are
pre-processed and analyzed by system identification/parameter estimation proce-
dures [5] and the mathematical models (i.e., their parameters) are updated, if deemed
necessary.
For system identification and estimation of the aerodynamic derivatives from
flight test data, one needs to conduct appropriate flight tests and acquire these data.
Introduction 3
For this task, certain special maneuvers are performed by the test pilot to excite the
modes of the test aircraft. Then, one uses parameter/state estimation techniques. The
aerodynamic derivatives (stability and control derivatives) that form parameters in
the mathematical model of an aircraft are required for one or more of the following
reasons: (i) they explain aerodynamic, stability, and control behavior of the vehicle,
thereby describing its static/dynamic behavior; (ii) the mathematical models (and
the associated parameters) are required for the design of flight control systems; and
(iii) high-fidelity simulators need accurate mathematical models of aircraft. Three
main approaches for the estimation of these derivatives are (i) analytical methods,
like DATACOM, CFD; (ii) wind-tunnel testing of scaled models of aircraft; and (iii)
flight testing and subsequent flight data analysis.
Main focus here is on the third approach. The subject of flight tests is very vast,
and we would concentrate only on the flight tests techniques/experiments that are just
necessary to generate dynamic responses of aircraft with a view to further analyzing
these data in order to extract aerodynamic derivatives of aircraft. Similar methods
with certain special or degenerate experiments are applicable for other atmospheric
or space vehicles. For projectiles, aeroballistic test range facilities are often used.
Specifically, some important principles and techniques of system identification, and
state/parameter estimation are covered in this book. The applications of these tech-
niques to kinematic consistency checking and estimation of aerodynamic deriva-
tives from flight data are discussed. The determination of aircraft performance (drag
polars) and HQs from flight test data is also of great importance. The drag polars can
be successfully determined from the dynamic maneuvers data using parameter esti-
mation methods. Thus, several important concepts and aspects of flight mechanics
analysis from modeling, and simulation point of view are presented. Here, modeling
is approached from the system identification and parameter estimation point of view.
yes
Piloted
ok simulation yes
no no ok
Full
envelope Full flight
envelope Gain yes
schedules
Design/analyze OK
control laws
Linear no
models
from EOMs/ Feedback
simulation Control laws
Actuator
Dynamics- Mass
Pilot Models Inertia/cg
Commands : Aircraft
pitch stick responses
Engine
roll stick Flight Positions
Dynamics-
rudder pedal Dynamics velocities
Models
throttle lever attitudes
flap/slat
Atmospheric Aerodata
Models W/T,Analytical
Flight simulation
Vehicle Stability/
control Trim& linearize
configuration
analysis simulation
FIGURE I.2 System synergy between flight simulation and control. (From Madhuranath, P.
Introduction to flight simulation. In Aircraft Flight Control and Simulation (edrs. Chetty S.,
and Madhuranath, P.), NAL Special Publication, SP-9717, National Aerospace Laboratories,
Bangalore, August, 1997.)
for online learning to represent the local inverse dynamics of an aircraft, (ii) attempt
to compensate for uncertainty without explicitly identifying changes in the aircraft
model, (iii) the ANN’s non-linearity can be made adaptive and used in the desired
dynamics block of the flight controller, (iv) the learning ability can be incorporated
into the gain scheduling process, and (v) sensor/actuator failure detection and man-
agement. Some of the benefits would be: (i) the controller becomes more robust and
more insensitive to the plant parameter variations, and (ii) the online learning ability
would be useful in handling certain unexpected behavior, of course, in a limited way,
e.g., fault diagnosis and reconfiguration.
In this book, the ANNs are used for aircraft parameter estimation from realisti-
cally simulated flight data.
multi-valued logic as against the bi-valued (crisp) logic, (ii) they do not have any spe-
cific architecture like neural networks, (iii) they are based on certain rules that need
to be a priori specified, (iv) fuzzy logic is a machine intelligent approach in which
desired behavior can be specified by the rules in which an expert’s (or a design engi-
neer’s) experience can be captured, (v) fuzzy logic system deals with approximate
reasoning in uncertain situations where truth is a matter of degree, and (vi) fuzzy sys-
tem is based on the computational mechanism (algorithm) with which decisions can
be inferred despite incomplete knowledge. This is the process of inference engine.
Fuzzy logic-based control is suited to multivariable and non-linear processes. The
measured plant variables are first fuzzified. Then, the inference engine is invoked.
Finally, the results are defuzzified to convert the composite membership function of
the output into a single crisp value. This specifies the desired control action. The heu-
ristic fuzzy control does not require deep knowledge of the to-be-controlled process.
The heuristic knowledge of the control policy should be known a priori. There are
several ways fuzzy logic can be used to augment the flight control system: (i) FL will
approximately duplicate some of the ways a pilot might respond to an aircraft that is
not behaving as expected due to a damage or failure, (ii) to incorporate the complex
non-linear strategies based on pilot’s or system design engineer’s experience and intel-
ligence within the control law, (iii) adaptive fuzzy gain scheduling (AGS) using the
fuzzy relationships between the scheduling variables and controller parameters, and
(iv) fuzzy logic-based adaptive tuning of Kalman filter for adaptive estimation/control.
In this book, FL is used for reconfiguration of control law in the strategy of fault
identification and management.
Chapters 9
Chapter 5, 9 Chapter 9
Use of
model
paras.
FIGURE I.3 System synergy of aircraft control system aided by artificial neural networks
(ANN), fuzzy system (FS), system identification (SID), and restructuring schemes (AGS:
adaptive gain scheduling). (From: Raol, J. R. Intelligent and allied technologies for flight
control - a brief review. ARA Journal, Vol. 2001–2002, No. 25–27, 2002.)
Maneuvers-Chapter 7
Measurements
Specific inputs:
input responses Data compatibility
Test aircraft/
Doublets or 3211 vehicle check
input
Parameter Chapter 9
update rule/
+
formula _
Models Methods
Aircraft EOM/
postulated math model in
estimation/Chapters 3-5/
algorithm/SW
Chapter 4, 5
Model
verification
eqn. (8.11)
K1 (first two terms)
K2
FIGURE 1.4 System synergy of maneuvers, parameter estimation, aerodynamic effects, and
aircraft and control dynamics.
For fighter and large transport aircraft and rotorcrafts, evaluation of pilot-vehicle
interactions via HQA is very important in the early new vehicle development/modi-
fication programs. Aspects of HQA and pilot-induced oscillations, better known as
pilot-vehicle interactions, are also discussed.
Chapter 11 deals with basic concepts of aeroservoelasticity: modeling, design, and
estimation for flexible aircraft.
It would be, of course, necessary to have a reasonably good background in the
basics of linear control systems and linear algebra.
In Appendixes A, B, C, D, and E, we compile several important aspects related to
atmospheric models, ANNs, fuzzy logic, and systems/signal to support the material
of the various chapters.
Disclaimer: Although enough care has been taken in working out the solutions
of examples/exercises and presentation of various theories and case study results in
this book, any practical applications of these should be made with proper care and
caution; any such endeavors would be the readers’/users’ own responsibility. Some
MATLAB programs developed for the illustration of various concepts via examples
in this book would be accessible to the readers from the book’s URL of the CRC
Press.
The end users of this integrated technology will be educational institutions, aero-
space R&D laboratories, aerospace industries, flight test agencies, and transporta-
tion/automotive industry. Interestingly, some other industrial and engineering centers
might be able to derive a good benefit from certain material of this book.
REFERENCES
1. McRuer, D. T., Ashkenas, I., and Graham, D. Aircraft Dynamics and Automatic
Control. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1973.
2. Nelson, R. C. Flight Stability and Automatic Control, 2nd Edn. McGraw Hill
International Editions, New York, 1998.
3. Cook, M. V. Flight Dynamics Principles. Arnold, London, 1997.
4. Roskam, J. Evolution of airplane stability and control: A designer’s viewpoint. Journal
of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 14(3), 481–487, 1991.
5. Raol, J. R., Girija, G., and Singh, J. Modelling and parameter of dynamic systems. IEE
Control Series, Vol. 65, IEE, London, UK, 2004.
6. Madhuranath, P. Introduction to flight simulation. In Aircraft Flight Control and
Simulation (edrs. Chetty S., and Madhuranath, P.), NAL Special Publication, SP-9717,
National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore, 1997.
7. Zurada, J. M. Introduction to ArtificialNneural System. West Publishing Company,
New York, 1992.
8. Haykin, S. Neural Networks-A Comprehensive Foundation. IEEE, New York, 1994.
9. Kosko, B. Neural Networks and FuzzySystems-A Dynamical Systems Approach to
Machine Intelligence. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1995.
10. King, R. E. Computational Intelligence in ControlEngineering. Marcel Dekker, New
York, 1999.
11. Mooij, H. A. Criteria for Low Speed Longitudinal Handling Qualities (of Transport
Aircraft with Closed-Loop Flight Control Systems). Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, the
Netherlands, 1984.
12. Sinha, N. K. Control Systems. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., New York, 1988.
Introduction 11
13. Raol, J. R. Intelligent and allied technologies for flight control - a brief review. ARA
Journal, 2001–2002, 25–27, 2002.
14. Etkin, B., and Reid, L. D. Dynamics of Flight – Stability and Control, 3rd Edn. John
Wiley, New York, 1996.
15. Yechout, T. R., Morris, S. L., Bossert, D. E., and Hallgren, W. F. Introduction to Aircraft
Flight Mechanics-Performance, Static Stability, Dynamic Stability, and Classical
Feedback Control. AIAA Education Series, Reston, VA, 2003.
16. Ranjan, V. Flight Dynamics, Simulation, and Control-For Rigid and Flexible Aircraft.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2015.
17. Stengal, R. F. Flight Dynamics. Princeton University Press. Prenceton, NJ, 2004.
18. Hajela, P. Soft computing in multidisciplinary aerospace design – new directions for
research. Progress in Aerospace Science, 38, 1–21, 2002.
1 Aerodynamic Principles
and Fundamentals
1.1
AERODYNAMIC CONCEPTS AND RELATIONSHIPS
An atmospheric vehicle moves in the flow field of (free) air. Air pressure (P), air tem-
perature (T), air density (ρ), and air velocity (V) are very important considerations in
the study of such flight vehicles, and a knowledge of (P, ρ, T, V) at a point in the air
defines a flow field; here, e.g., P = P(x, y, z), and so on. In any flight mechanics-cum-
dynamics (FMD) study and analysis, the three aspects are very important: (i) aircraft
stability and control, (ii) aircraft performance, and (iii) vehicle’s dynamic trajectory
analysis. Aircraft stability and control aspects are the direct outcomes of the appli-
cation of the control theory of dynamic systems to aircraft, and here, the aircraft is
considered as a dynamic system. The aircraft performance mainly depends on the
aircraft engine being used for propelling the vehicle through the atmosphere. The
aircraft dynamic trajectory is the time history of its flight path and of many compo-
nents of this flight path through the atmosphere. All these three major studies and
study of flight mechanics constitute the main body of the flight dynamics.
1.1.1 Air Pressure
Pressure is defined as the force acting on a unit area, and it is due to the time rate
of change of momentum (mass times velocity of the air parcels) of the gas/air mol-
ecules imparting on that surface; P = lim
dF
( 2
, pressure at a point N/m ;atm ;
dA→ 0 dA
)
1 atm = 1.01 × 105 N/m2 = 2016 lb/ft2 = 2016/(12)2 lb/in2 = 14 PSI. For an aircraft, it is
usually measured by using a pitot-static system of the kind shown in Figure 1.1 that
measures the total and static air pressures. The pressure tube is a concentric with
center tube measuring the total pressure and the outer tube surrounding it measuring
the static pressure. As the aircraft moves forward, the airflow comes to rest at the
mouth of the pitot tube. This is known as the stagnation point, and the pressure at
this point is given by
1
PT = Ps + ρV 2 (1.1)
2
Here, PT is the total pressure, which is often measured at the nose boom. Ps is the
static pressure upstream away from the body, and V is the free stream velocity. The
1
ρV 2 is termed as the dynamic pressure and is generally denoted by q , and ρ ‘rho’
2
is the air density. Equation (1.1) holds good only for low-speed flights where the
compressibility effects can be ignored. Also, note that both the dynamic and static
DOI: 10.1201/9781003293514-2 13
14 Flight Mechanics Modeling and Analysis
Airflow °° ° °
°° ° °
Holes for static
pressure measurement
pressure act on the inner tube, while only static pressure acts on the outer tube. The
difference between the two is the dynamic pressure, which is used to determine the
velocity V of the aircraft, and the dynamic pressure is the direct consequence of
the aircraft’s velocity. At high speeds (Mach number, M > 0.3), the pitot measure-
ments must be corrected for compressibility effects. The corrected dynamic pressure
qc can be written as [1]:
γ
γ − 1 2 γ −1
qc = PT − Ps = Ps 1 + M −1 (1.2)
2
Here, γ is the ratio of specific heats (heat capacity with constant pressure to heat
capacity with constant volume) and is taken as 1.4; and it is also known as adiabatic
index, and Laplace’s coefficient. The Mach number is defined as the ratio of the speed
of the aircraft to the speed of sound. It is also worth mentioning here that the static
pressure is subject to errors called position errors. It is a known fact that for any given
static source location, the position error varies with a change in speed and altitude.
The normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is 101 kN/m2. It is often expressed in
terms of bars: 1 bar = 100 kN/m2. Thus, one millibar = 100 N/m2 = Pa (Pascal). Thus,
when an aircraft lies in the atmospheric air, the air pressure acts on all its external
body parts, fuselage, wings, and engine. The air with its dynamic pressure provides
lift to the aircraft as well as opposes its forward motion (i.e., it provides the drag
force), and the balance of this with the weight of the whole aircraft and the propulsive
force supplied by aircraft engine keeps the aircraft in its steady-state motion in the
air. So, the aircraft flight is the balance of various forces acting on it!
1.1.2 Air Density
In general, density of any material is defined as its mass per its own unit volume:
; ( kg / m )
dm
ρ = Mass / Volume = lim 3
(1.3)
dv→0 dv
It signifies the fact how much material is compacted in so much volume. The relation
between pressure, density, and temperature, according to gas laws for a perfect gas,
is given by:
P = ρ RT (1.4)
Aerodynamic Principles and Fundamentals 15
Here, R is the (universal) gas constant (287 J/kg-K; J is Joules, and K is the tem-
perature in Kelvin; =8.31432 J/Kelvin-mole). A perfect gas is one in which the
intermolecular forces (which are the ramifications of the complex interaction of the
electromagnetic properties of the electrons and nucleus) are negligible; air at stan-
dard conditions can be approximated by a perfect gas. Another factor related to den-
sity that occurs in many formulae is the ratio of the air density ρ to the sea-level
density ρ0 (1.225 kg/m3):
ρ
σ= (1.5)
ρ0
The related quantity, the specific weight, is defined as: Wt./volume = m g/volume;
here, m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity, 9.81 m/s2. We have seen
that the density enters in the formula for dynamic pressure. This means that the air-
craft will have higher dynamic pressure in the dense air. At higher altitudes where
the air density is low, the dynamic pressure acting on the aircraft will be also low!
1.1.3 Air Temperature
The particles in a gas are in a constant motion, and each particle has kinetic energy;
and hence, the temperature T of the gas is thus directly proportional to the average
molecular kinetic energy, KE = (3/2) kT; k is the Boltzmann constant (1.38 × 10 −23
Joules/Kelvin). The pressure and temperature are also related via gas law. The tem-
perature of the atmosphere varies with altitude and can be represented by a linear
relation:
T = T1 + lh (1.6)
Here, l is the lapse rate that indicates the rate of change in temperature with altitude.
In an aircraft, a temperature probe is used to measure the total temperature of the air.
Assuming adiabatic conditions (no loss of heat), the total temperature Tt in terms of
ambient temperature T is given by:
γ −1 2
Tt = T 1 + M (1.7)
2
1.1.4 Altitudes
In aeronautics and aviation flight, we talk about several types of altitude, the primary
among them being the absolute, geometric, and geo-potential altitude. Geometric
altitude is the altitude-height from mean sea level. It does not vary with temperature
or with the change of gravity. The absolute altitude is measured from the center of
the earth. If H a denotes the absolute altitude, H GM denotes the geometric altitude, and
RE is the radius of earth, then
H a = H GM + RE (1.8)
16 Flight Mechanics Modeling and Analysis
If g0 is the acceleration due to gravity at sea level, then the ‘g’ varies as [1,2]:
2
g RE
= (1.9)
g0 RE + H GM
The ‘g’ is the local gravitational acceleration at a given absolute height, Ha.
The geo-potential altitude H GP is in fact a fictitious altitude defined based on the
reference gravity at sea level (g0 = 9.81 m/sec 2 ). The relation between the geometric
and geo-potential altitude is given by:
RE
H GP = H GM (1.10)
RE + H GM
The difference between H GM and H GP is small for lower altitudes, but it grows as the
altitude increases.
Other altitudes are the pressure altitude, density altitude, and temperature alti-
tude. We know that the static pressure varies with altitude. A sensor called altimeter,
calibrated using the standard atmosphere, measures the static pressure and relates it
to altitude. The altitude indicated by the altimeter is therefore the pressure altitude.
The density and the temperature altitudes, likewise, are the altitudes in the standard
atmosphere corresponding to the measured density and temperature. The density
altitude is often used for piston engine aircraft since their power is generally pro-
portional to air density. At a certain geometric altitude, there is a set of P, T, and
the density values for each of these, one can read-off the altitudes from the SATM
table; e.g., at a certain altitude, the pressure P = 4.72 104 N/m2→6000 m (altitude/ht.);
and T = 255.7 K→Temperature altitude is 5 km; and density = P/(RT) = 0.641 kg/m3→
density altitude is 6.25 km.
Note: Some call the geometric altitude as the system altitude. Some define an
absolute altitude as the height above the surface of the earth at any given surface
location. If the aircraft is above the mountain, then the absolute altitude is the verti-
cal clearance between the aircraft and the surface of the mountain. Also, the true
altitude is defined as the height above the sea level. The pressure altitude is defined
as the height from the reference where the pressure is 29.921 In. (760 mm) of Hg
(mercury). Other related definitions are as follows: the Geoid height is the height of
the actual surface of the earth from the surface of the ideal spheroid of the Earth, the
elevation is the height from the actual surface, and the geodetic height is from the
spheroid (of the Earth).
a = γ RT (1.11)
Aerodynamic Principles and Fundamentals 17
For sea-level conditions (T is 288 K), the speed of sound is computed to be nearly
340 m/s. It has already been mentioned that the pitot-static tube can be used to mea-
sure the airspeed. The pressure difference, (PT − Ps), measured by the pitot-static tube
is passed on to an indicator that is calibrated to standard sea-level conditions. The
airspeed read from this instrument is called the indicated airspeed (IAS). The IAS
will be affected by instrument and position errors. Instrument errors could arise from
mechanical inaccuracies, while position errors are caused by location of the pitot-
static tube in the flow field that is distorted because of the interference from fuselage
or wing. Correction for these errors in IAS will yield the calibrated airspeed (CAS).
Modern aircraft have airspeed indicators which directly read CAS [1,2]. True air-
speed (TAS) is the actual airspeed of the aircraft relative to the air. The relationship
between the TAS and the ground speed is given by:
TAS = Vg + Vw (1.12)
Here, Vg is the speed w.r.t the ground and Vw is the wind speed. Equivalent airspeed
(EAS) is defined as the speed at standard sea-level conditions which produce the
same dynamic pressure as the TAS:
1 1
ρ0 (EAS)2 = ρ (TAS)2 (1.13)
2 2
or
EAS
TAS = (1.14)
σ
ρ
where σ =
ρ0
Thus, TAS results when EAS is corrected for density altitude. Knowing TAS,
Mach number can be computed using the relation:
TAS TAS
M= = (1.15)
a γ RT
In terms of total pressure PT and static pressure P at a given flight altitude, TAS and
EAS for the subsonic flight (M < 0.3) can be obtained using the relation:
2 ( PT − P )
TAS = (1.16)
ρ
and
2 ( PT − P )
EAS = (1.17)
ρ0
18 Flight Mechanics Modeling and Analysis
Interestingly, Mach number can be viewed as the ratio of the inertia force to elastic
force. For high subsonic flight (M > 0.3), TAS and CAS are given by:
γ −1
2a 2 PT − P γ
TAS = +1 − 1 (1.18)
γ − 1 P
and
γ −1
2a02 PT − P γ
CAS = + 1 − 1 (1.19)
γ − 1 P0
The ‘a0’ is the speed of sound at sea-level condition and P0 is the static pressure at
sea level (1.01325 × 105 N/m2). In other words, the relationship between TAS and CAS
can also be expressed as:
a
TAS = CAS (1.20)
a0
Aircraft speeds are classified as: subsonic M < 1; transonic 0.8 ≤ M ≤ 1.2 ; supersonic
1 < M < 5; and hypersonic M ≥ 5.
Since, mass can neither be created nor be destroyed (in a general sense, otherwise,
we have to use E = mc2):
Section 2
Section 1
m1 = ρ1 A1V1 m 2 = ρ 2 A2V2
Stream tube
BATTLE OF BRACITO.
25th.—In the union of our forces we are one thousand strong. Moved
as early as usual from the position we have occupied the last three
days, and after marching 12 miles, we came to Bracito, and
encamped at 10 o’clock. We stripped our horses as usual, and
picketed them out; went out to hunt wood to cook our dinners. Some
of the men had gone at least a mile from camp when the alarm was
given, “to arms! to arms!” Looking in the direction pointed out we saw
a cloud of dust, as if the whole of Mexico was coming down upon us.
Unwilling to throw away our wood, we ran with our turns on our
shoulders, when we heard an officer hallooing—“Throw away your
wood and bring your horses into camp.” We obeyed the order as
quickly as possible. We found our Orderly at his post, directing the
men to load their guns and get into line. Every man was at his proper
place in a few minutes. By this time the Mexican army was in sight,
and had formed in battle array at a distance of a mile from us.
Presently an officer came out of their ranks, handsomely mounted
and bearing a black flag. Col. Mitchell, accompanied with the
interpreter, rode up to meet him on half way ground to inquire his
business. He told them he had come to demand the surrender of our
entire force, by submitting, he said, our lives would be spared—if we
did not, every man would be put to death. Our interpreter cut short
his harangue by telling him to “go to h— and bring on his forces.” In
the meantime our company (the Chihuahua Rangers) received
orders from head quarters to right about face, and march from the
right, where we were somewhat protected by brush, weeds and
gopher hills, to the extreme left, in open ground to withstand the
charge of the Mexican cavalry; so off we marched in double quick
time to our position on the left. Our Captain here told us to reserve
our fire till the enemy was in fair rifle distance, and added that he
hoped no man in his command would act the coward, but all would
do their duty as volunteers and American soldiers. He had scarcely
done speaking, when the enemy commenced firing at us, from three
to four hundred yards distant. They advanced closer, and continued
to advance, pouring in volley after volley, till the sound of bullets over
our heads reminded me of a hail storm.—We waited impatiently for
the word of command. It was at length given, “fire.” One loud peal of
thunder was heard from our Missouri rifles. Consternation and
dismay was the result, for, thrown into confusion, the Mexicans
commenced obliquing to our left. Another volley, well aimed, caused
them to retreat towards our wagons. Here they were met by a round
from the wagon company. In the meantime Capt. Reid, at the head
of eighteen men, well mounted, pushed after them, chasing them to
the mountains. All their provisions, guns, sabres, camp furniture, &c.,
besides one 10 pound howitzer, fell into our hands. The Mexican
loss was estimated at thirty or forty killed and wounded, while we
had but two slightly wounded. The Mexicans left their dead on the
field.
26th.—With fifteen prisoners and a few wounded Mexicans, we
resumed our march, the main army being flanked on both sides, and
came on 16 miles and encamped in a desolate place filled with thorn
bushes. Here we prepared our supper, and were about to sit down,
when the report of a gun from the picket guard, caused us to
extinguish the fires, and form in line as quickly as possible. Presently
our Lieutenant rode up and said it was a false alarm. We were
ordered to break ranks and get our supper. Again we commenced
that unfortunate meal, when the report of a second gun, so loud as
to be heard by every one, again made us put the fires down. There
was a tremendous clattering of arms, for all formed in line in a few
seconds. At this moment Lieut. Cribbons rode up and said that in
visiting one of the outer pickets, he was requested to give the
countersign by the guard, whose gun was cocked, and he
accidentally let the hammer down too heavily, causing it to explode,
the load passing close to the Lieutenant’s face. After hearing this
statement, we again broke ranks to resume our supper. I stood
sentinel, to guard the wagons and piece of artillery taken from the
enemy, till 12 o’clock, then went to bed—was awakened again at 3,
and stood till 6 o’clock.
Sunday, 27th.—Col. Doniphan wishing an early start, the roll was
called at light and we moved on in the same order as yesterday, with
front and rear guard. We had scarcely travelled six miles, when at a
distance over the river was seen a dust, as if a body of horsemen
were meeting us. We were told to keep cool and obey orders.
Continuing our course we met several Mexicans bearing a white flag.
Their commander coming up, presented Colonels Doniphan and
Mitchell his sabre. They then drank wine and other liquors together,
and we resumed our march, crossed the Rio Grande, and encamped
in the town of El Paso del Norte about night-fall. This is the noted
pass between Old and New Mexico. The town contains about seven
or eight thousand inhabitants, and is built along the margin of the
river, several miles in length. The environs are cultivated to some
extent, and the usual varieties of fruit grow here in abundance. The
river is compressed in many places to a very small compass, by the
high and precipitous mountains, through which it winds its way.
28th.—Established our quarters a mile from the city, where there is a
large coral or enclosure, in which to keep our horses. Throughout the
day a variety of fruit was brought to camp by the natives, and readily
bought up by the soldiers. The wind was high, and we were nearly
blinded by clouds of dust, which being mixed with isinglass is very
hurtful to the eyes.
29th.—To-day Col. Doniphan, while searching the town, found two
pieces of cannon, and after breaking several locks, a good deal of
ammunition was discovered. We all paraded and were carried
through the regular drill.
January 1st, 1847.—The last two days being quite cold, with high
winds, we kept in camp. After the usual parade to-day, Lieutenant
Todd went to town about 10 o’clock in company with several of our
men, but they returned in a short time at full speed, hallooing with all
their might for us to get our horses quickly, and saddle up, for the
Mexicans were coming on us. In a little while we were ready and
marched over the river to join the other regiment, and prepared for
battle. When we arrived at the ground, we were formed by Col.
Doniphan, who despatched Col. Mitchell with twelve men to
reconnoitre the enemy, who were reported to be in sight. In the
course of an hour, they returned and said it was a false alarm. We
then marched to the public square, and informed by our Captain that
arrangements were made to keep us in town, and that our camp
equipage must be sent for. One out of each mess was directed to go
with the wagons for that purpose. We were well supplied with fuel at
night, and our quarters were quite comfortable.
2nd.—Nothing of importance transpired to-day. The roll was called,
and we paraded twice, morning and evening.
Sunday, 3rd.—The usual duties being over, and a high wind
prevailing, we did not go to church. Hearing that a sick horse was in
the coral I went over to see, and found it was my mare. I brought her
out to have her bled and physicked. I went to get assistance, and
when I returned with a friend I found she had escaped; searched the
town three hours without finding her.
4th.—Renewed my efforts to recover my lost horse; walked till three
o’clock, when I found her in the centre of a lot about two miles from
town—dead. I hastened to Col. Mitchell and told him I was on foot,
as my mare had lost breath and was laid up to dry. He advised me to
look about and ascertain if I could suit myself. If I succeeded I was to
call on him again in the morning.
5th.—Our Orderly Sergeant in reading over the names of those to be
placed on mounted guard, cried out mine. Accordingly, I with three
others marched down to the public square, where we paraded, and
dinner, or rather supper, being over, we were placed as sentinels till
three o’clock in the morning. I then went to the guard-fire, spread
down my blanket and slept till day-light.
6th.—To-day we were allowed two-third rations of coarse Taos flour,
some coffee without sugar, and poor mutton. We sometimes got a
few peaches from the inhabitants in exchange for tobacco, buttons,
&c.
7th.—Finding our flour nearly gone I went out and bought a baked
pumpkin to mix with it; saw much fruit exhibited for sale, but had no
money to buy any. Our scouting party which had been sent out a few
days ago, returned this evening, bringing three prisoners, a priest
among them. They were captured 12 miles down, on their way to
Chihuahua, with papers containing information of our movements to
the Mexican army in that quarter. They were placed under strict
surveillance.
Sunday, 10th.—I went to church with a number of others, and
witnessed all the ceremonies, and manœuvres of this singular
people. The church is large, and the handsomest and best built
house in the place. I saw the representation of Christ in the
sepulchre, with various other images in and near the altar. On our
return we found multitudes in the open street playing cards—sorry to
say, some were American soldiers.
13th.—Our time begins to hang heavily. The ordinary duties of the
day are soon accomplished, and no novelty to amuse or excite, the
soldiers become restless and are ready for any excess. Our living
consists of poor mutton, the miserable Taos flour and a little coffee.
Some complain and others “hook” what they can to improve their
fare.
14th.—I was taken last night with a violent headache and pain in the
bowels. My diarrhœa having become much worse I got up and went
to the Surgeon, who gave me 15 grs. calomel, 10 do. jalap, 5 do.
rhubarb and 2 do. tartar, all mixed up together in a dose. I took this
monstrous compound and sat by the guard-fire till morning, I then
laid on my blanket and slept till 3 o’clock in the evening. Needing
some refreshment, I tried my mess, but they had nothing I could
relish; I went to Sergeant Edwards and he gave me a lump of sugar
to sweeten my coffee. I tried in vain to borrow a picayune to
purchase some molasses. At length I applied to a messmate who
had come to me a few days after my horse had died, bringing a
mule, and saying if I would consent to let him draw the rations of my
horse I should have the use of this mule. Yesterday I understood he
had sent his mule away to graze, and was selling my corn. When I
presented my petition, he turned his back as a refusal, and went
down among the gamblers and lost every cent.
15th.—Feeling disordered and ill, I applied early to our Surgeon, who
gave me a small lump of sugar, charging me to take particular care
of the article, as it was only intended for the sick. He felt my pulse
and made me swallow a large dose of salts and tartar; I then went to
my blanket.
16th.—I awoke this morning with a high fever and headache. The
Surgeon gave me a large pill, and I was placed in the hospital, under
the particular care of a doctor, whose name I could not learn, but
who said he was from Philadelphia, and could out-practice any man
in the regiment. Wishing some coffee, he very politely took a pinch of
sugar between his thumb and finger to sweeten it for me, talking the
while of “his superior skill,” &c.
17th.—Still in the hospital, but feeling better, I applied to the Quarter
Master, who gave me four pints of American flour; I baked a small
cake to eat with my coffee. At night I spread my blanket in the tent,
and slept with my mess.
18th.—At the sound of the reveille I arose and strolled over the
graveyard, where the remains of young Leland were interred
yesterday. This young man died of the fever prevailing among the
troops, and his grave is close to the wall, fronting an old church in
ruins. Piles of bones lay around—in the centre of some of the hills
were erected wooden crosses.
21st.—Since Tuesday last I have been ill in the hospital, with high
fever and headache—bed hard and uncomfortable, consequently
little sleep or rest. The doctor, in his round, asked me why I was not
out at the roll-call this morning, as my name was erased, by his
direction, from the sick list. He said there was nothing the matter with
me, and he would give me no more medicine. He charged me with
being home-sick, &c. &c., with many other tender and endearing
epithets. Weak and quite unwell, I left the hospital and found my way
to Col. Doniphan’s quarters, I consulted Dr. Morton, who, with
expressions of sympathy, gave me the necessary restoratives. I had
symptoms of jaundice, with very sore eyes.
26th.—I was somewhat recovered from my illness, through the
humane treatment of Dr. Morton, but I still suffered considerably from
my eyes. I felt much regret that I was prevented from joining Capt.
Hudson, who took our company on a scout, and will be gone several
days. I begin to feel weary of our detention here, occasioned by the
non-arrival of Capt. Weightman with the artillery from Santa Fe. Col.
Doniphan is hourly expecting this reinforcement.
27th.—Last evening a fellow was caught by our outer picket guard,
who could give no satisfactory account of himself, and told so many
contradictory tales, that our Colonel sent him to the guard-house. At
ten o’clock our company returned from the scouting expedition; they
went down to the fort, 25 miles off, and found it was deserted. They
think it very likely we shall have no fighting to do at Chihuahua.
29th.—While on guard to-day over the prisoners taken at the battle
of Bracito, I thought I would write in my journal, I searched my belt
for it in vain. It was gone!—taken out probably by some mischievous
soldier in the tent. In this book I had faithfully kept an account of
every thing interesting to myself at least, since the day I left Carroll
County, Missouri. Having another blank book I commenced writing
again, but felt provoked at my loss.
30th.—This morning, being relieved from the duty of sentinel, I went
immediately to Capt. Hudson and stated the loss of my journal. He
asked me a number of questions in relation to it, and appeared
pleased at so unusual an undertaking in a private. He went forward
and told the soldiers that Maryland’s book must be restored or every
man in his command should be searched.
31st.—The impatience of our boys for the arrival of the artillery has
induced several to go out to meet it. This evening some of them
returned, and said it was not more than 30 miles off. To-day my book
was found on the floor of the tent. The robber was no doubt alarmed
by the Captain’s order, and dropped it in the most convenient place.
February 1st.—We paraded early, and about 12 o’clock several
rounds from our artillery-men, just across the Rio Grande,
announced the arrival of Capt. Weightman from Santa Fe, with four
six pounders and two twelve pound howitzers. They marched in town
in right order; our men firing the salute from our piece of captured
cannon just as they reached the public square. This company is an
important acquisition to our small force.
3d.—Early orders were received that Lieut. Col. Mitchell, at the head
of the Chihuahua Rangers, would move down to the fort to-day.
Every thing being in readiness we came on in double file, and arrived
at sunset at a pretty little village. Our provision wagons being
delayed on the road, every thing like food in this small place was had
in requisition by the orders of the Colonel, and we made our supper
on pies, cheese, bread, &c.
4th.—This morning we were told to saddle up and hasten forward to
overtake the traders, who had disobeyed orders in preceding us; we
were ordered to bring them back. In obedience to the order we
started and travelled 13 miles. On the way we saw several
Mexicans, who endeavored to elude our observation. Our first and
second Lieutenants wishing to know who they were, and on what
errand bent, gave chase. After a run of two miles at full speed, they
were overtaken and searched. One was the alcalde from the town
where we staid last night. We halted late in the evening on the road,
where we met a Mexican fully armed, gun, sabre, &c. He was also
stopped and minutely examined, but no papers being found on his
person, he was suffered to pass.
5th.—Marched on several miles, overtook and encamped with the
traders, who had formed their wagons in a pen or coral, tried to
refresh ourselves on a supper of black bread, poor beef, and
sassafras tea, cooked over a fire of thorn bushes. The traders sell
the bark of the sassafras at $1 per pound. A small cup of the
decoction cost 25 cents to-night.
6th.—The ground was so uneven we did not erect our tents, but
spread our blankets and went to bed; the cold prevented any thing
like refreshing sleep. We arrived late at our former encampment, and
found Col. Mitchell had returned from El Paso, whither he had gone
to see Col. Doniphan. He brought news, which was currently
reported there, viz. that Gen. Taylor had been overpowered at San
Louis Potosi by the Mexicans, and was imprisoned, with 4000
regulars. Of course this was a Mexican story, told no doubt for effect
—and it had its effect upon our boys, for it made us feel as if we
could fight like lions against the treacherous foe. We waited at this
place for Col. Doniphan, who was making every preparation for our
dangerous trip. I made for my own use to-day a pair of wooden
spurs.
7th.—This morning after roll-call and breakfast, we fed our horses
and mules, and tried to rest and amuse ourselves. At supper I made
some pancakes, without milk or eggs, unfortunately I put rather too
much salt in my batter. Fifteen men were sent down the river on a
scouting expedition to-night. My name was called to be on guard, so
I gathered up my blanket and went into the line with the rest. I was
placed in first relief, near the river. I walked two hours, then went to
bed at 12 o’clock by the guard-fire; I was awakened by the Corporal
at three, and stood till morning.
8th.—Prepared my clothes by washing and mending, for our
departure. Boiled some beans and beef for my mess. The weather
was very disagreeable, and we all felt weary of our delay.
9th.—While busily engaged fixing up to-day, Col. Doniphan came on
with the artillery and encamped near us. All is now bustle and
excitement, as it is said we shall start in the morning.
10th.—Col. Doniphan has concluded to stay here to-day with the
army, as it is very cold and cloudy. Our boys are making desperate
efforts to amuse themselves. Among other things, our sutler is here
with his establishment, and whiskey is selling at 75 cents per pint.
With some honorable exceptions, the scene among officers and men
may be much “better imagined than described.”
11th.—The whole of Col. Doniphan’s regiment, including the
Chihuahua Rangers, started this morning for the South to join Gen.
Wool. We marched in right order 12 miles, and encamped on the
bank of the river.
12th.—The wagons not coming in last night, some uneasiness was
expressed by our Commander, when, with fifteen others, I returned
to where we encamped the night before, and found the train just
about to move on. We passed a caravan, who told us they had lost
the last night 250 mules and 50 yoke of oxen, driven off by the
Indians. We came to our camp and found cooking to be the order of
the day. We are about entering another jornada, and provisions for
four days must be packed.
13th.—Detained here to have all in complete readiness. The Indians
were at their thievish work again. Last night they drove off some
cattle and mules belonging to the traders. The skill and daring
evinced by these bands of savages exceed belief. They follow the
army, and are always prowling around our camp at night.
Sunday, 14th.—Although on mounted guard nearly all night, I made
all the haste I could to eat an early breakfast and saddle up. I was
among the first in the ranks. Here we were told that the burial of two
soldiers, who expired last night, would only detain us a few minutes
longer. The mournful ceremony ended, we started at 8 o’clock; came
on the jornada five miles, and halted to feed our horses and mules. I
was in the rear guard behind the prisoners all day—travelled a long
and wearisome journey through the sand until 8 o’clock at night. I ate
a small piece of bread and meat, and spread my blanket at the
guard-fire, where I slept till four. I was awakened by the officer of the
watch and stood till six. I was at last relieved by the sound of the
tattoo.
15th.—12 miles further on we stopped to eat breakfast, which was a
cold cut. We again moved on, and came 20 miles through this
jornada and encamped late in the night. No water was as yet to be
seen. Our Sergeant measured to each man a half pint. One man
sold his half pint for 50 cents.
16th.—We made an early start, and after marching 15 miles, came
to some puddles of dirty water. Our horses and mules rushed in and
drank all they could get. Ascending the hill before us a spring was
discovered, but the water was muddy and brackish. At night had a
slight shower of rain, with lightning and thunder.
17th.—On awaking, the first thing I heard was that a man in our
company was dead. The poor fellow had left a wife and family in
Missouri to serve his country. He was taken sick at El Paso, with the
measles, and had come thus far to die. We followed his remains to
the grave, where our Captain stood forth and made an impressive
speech. He stated that “this was the third time he had been called,
on occasions like the present, to perform the mournful duty to men in
his command, and that it was wisdom for each and all to prepare for
the worst,” &c. The usual rounds were fired, and we covered poor
Tolly over with soap-weed, and filled up the grave. After trampling the
dirt and leveling the ground, we marched off in right order to this
spot, where we shall rest to-day.
18th.—Loaned my mule to a soldier who had lost his horse, to
enable him to go in search. I was rewarded for this favor, by being
compelled to stay behind my company several hours, till he returned
with his horse. We pursued our journey two miles, and overtook the
command at a Hot Spring, which was discovered on the top of a
small eminence. It boiled up very curiously in the centre, covering
the surface with bubbles. The temperature about 100 degrees. The
water is scarcely fit to drink, having a very disagreeable taste,
nevertheless, the men filled their canteens, saying they would drink it
when it got cold enough. The country still presents a barren
appearance, the soil sterile; the surface rocky and mountainous. We
marched 14 miles, and about sunset, encamped close to a small
stream, which supplied a few poor villagers with water. The people
busied themselves in preparing for us, what they could, viz. a little
muskeet brush to cook with, and corn for our cattle. In crossing this
jornada, the teamsters were obliged to throw away 5000 pounds
flour, and leave several wagons behind—the mules being unable to
proceed.
19th.—After a journey of such length over uneven ground, the
fatigue of the army induced our Commander to remain in camp to-
day. About two o’clock the wind began to rise, and increased in
violence till the tents were leveled to the ground. We tried to cook by
digging pits in which to place the fire. The sand blowing in clouds,
covered our food; making it gritty and unpleasant to eat. As night
came on, a heavy storm of wind stripped our wagons of their covers.
Quite unsheltered, we had to do the best we could, and that was bad
enough. We laid down, as we had often done before, on our
blankets. We slept uncomfortably on hillocks and tufts of grass.
20th.—The wind having abated, we were all in line at an early hour—
came nine miles through this ranch, to the mouth of another jornada.
Here the same scene of desolation is presented. No cultivation to be
seen any where, nor scarcely any natural vegetable production
except the thorn and muskeet brush. The days are warm, and the
nights very cold, in this region.
21st.—Marched ten miles out to the Hot Springs, which are situated
in a ranch, and encamped. The army will here halt a day or two. The
same arrangements are to be made as before. While cooking my
meat and bread, I was informed by the Orderly, that with 18 others, I
was appointed to go before the command several miles. Hastily
despatching the meal, we mounted and rode out a long distance,
where we had to stand all night. We made a small fire of brush weed
on the road side.
22d.—I was relieved from duty early this morning by the next detail.
Feeling much disordered from loss of rest and fatigue. I was greatly
obliged to a messmate who very thoughtfully brought me some water
and a piece of bread for my breakfast. The army appearing—we
went into line by sections of four, and marched 17 miles where we
encamped at a place where the men had water; but none could be
spared to the poor horses and mules. After eating some bread, we
laid down on the ground and went to sleep.
23d.—Without waiting for refreshment of any kind, we came on to-
day eight miles to a pond, where we watered our horses and mules
—we stopped for the poor animals to graze awhile and then
proceeded three miles, when we halted for the night at a stream of
water. Several antelopes were killed to-day. After the tents were
fixed up, we boiled some of the flesh, which made fine eating; the
repast was seasoned with a good appetite; a fast of nearly forty-eight
hours, had made us hungry enough.
24th.—In conversation with my Captain—I expressed a wish to go
up a neighboring mountain, as I understood a large Tagoon could be
seen from its summit. He told me to go and make all the
observations I could. Having no time to lose, I commenced its
ascent, by climbing over large rocks, in which were formed several
immense caves—some of them I thought were well fitted to be the
resort of robbers. At length I found myself on the top, and set down