PIEZONUCLEAR NEUTRONS FROM IRON

Abstract

We report the results of neutron measurements carried out during the application of ultrasounds to bars of iron and steel. Like in our previous similar works with cavitated solutions of iron, neutrons were emitted in bursts and the spectrum of this peculiar emission was measured for the first time. A further and very interesting outcome of these experiments was the unexpected appearance of circular, macroscopical and regular damages on the lateral surface of the bars which was not directly in contact with the sonotrode. The superficial elemental microanalysis on these spots showed some interesting and macroscopic departures of the concentration of chemical elements from that of the undamaged surface, which may suggest that, along with the emission of neutrons, some transmutations occurred as well.