Sensitivity of dimethyl amino ethyl azide (DMAZ) as a non-carcinogenic and high performance fuel to some external stimuli

• DMAZ is insensitive to impact.
• DMAZ is insensitive to direct flame and shock wave.
• Sensitivity threshold of DMAZ to static electricity is less than 525 mJ.
• DMAZ sensitivity to heat in confined volume is medium.

Hydrazine and its derivatives have been used extensively in space programs as liquid propellants. Since they are carcinogen, dimethyl amino ethyl azide (DMAZ) has been introduced as a non-carcinogenic fuel with high performance as compared to the best available fuels. DMAZ contains energetic group –N3, which may be sensitive to some external stimuli. Thus, it is important to study various aspects of sensitivity of DMAZ in addition to its performance criteria. Various conventional tests as well as computer codes were used to investigate sensitivity of DMAZ to external stimuli such as impact, shock wave, Koenen, burning and electrostatic discharge. The results showed that DMAZ is not sensitive to impact, direct flame and shock wave. Meanwhile, it has moderate and high sensitivity to heat in confined volume and electrostatic discharge, respectively.