Piezonuclear Reactions

TL;DR

This paper reviews experimental evidence and proposes a theoretical model for piezonuclear reactions, a novel type of nuclear reactions triggered by pressure waves, including element transmutation, neutron emission, and altered element lifetimes.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical framework to explain piezonuclear reactions observed in cavitation and mechanical pressure experiments.

Findings

Transmutation of elements observed in cavitation experiments

Neutron emission during brittle failure of solids

Altered lifetime of thorium under cavitation

Abstract

In this paper, we deal with the subject of piezonuclear reactions, namely nuclear reactions (of new type) triggered by pressure waves. We discuss the experimental evidences obtained in the last two decades, which can be summarized essentially as follows: experiments in cavitation of liquids, where transmutation of elements, creation of elements and emission of neutrons have been observed; emission of neutrons in brittle failure of solids subjected to mechanical pressure; alteration of the lifetime of un unstable element (thorium) subjected to cavitation. A theoretical model to explain these facts is proposed. Future perspectives of these experimental and theoretical investigations are also underlined.