Insights into the Reaction Kinetics of Hydrazine-Based Fuels: A Comprehensive Review of Theoretical and Experimental Methods

Abstract

While researchers have extensively studied the initial decomposition mechanism of Monomethylhydrazine (MMH, CH3NHNH2) in the MMH/dinitrogen tetroxide (NTO) system, the investigation of Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH, (CH3)2NNH2) has been limited due to its high toxicity, corrosiveness, and deterioration rate. Hence, the effects of UDMH’s deterioration products on combustion performance and gas-phase combustion reaction mechanisms remain unclear. This comprehensive review examines the existing research on the reaction kinetics of the three widely used hydrazine-based self-ignition propellants: Hydrazine (HZ, N2H4): MMH: and UDMH, emphasizing the necessity for further investigation into the reaction kinetics and mechanisms of UDMH. It also discusses the implications of these findings for developing safer and more efficient rocket propulsion systems. Additionally, this review underscores the importance of utilizing computational chemistry theory to analyze hydrazine-based fuels’ combustion and decomposition properties, constructing detailed pyrolysis and combustion reaction mechanisms to optimize rocket engine fuel performance and environmental concerns.