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2015 | Buch

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Acoustic, Electromagnetic, Neutron Emissions from Fracture and Earthquakes

herausgegeben von: Alberto Carpinteri, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Amedeo Manuello

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

This book presents the relevant consequences of recently discovered and interdisciplinary phenomena, triggered by local mechanical instabilities. In particular, it looks at emissions from nano-scale mechanical instabilities such as fracture, turbulence, buckling and cavitation, focussing on vibrations at the TeraHertz frequency and Piezonuclear reactions. Future applications for this work could include earthquake precursors, climate change, energy production and cellular biology.

A series of fracture experiments on natural rocks demonstrates that the TeraHertz vibrations are able to induce fission reactions on medium weight elements accompanied by neutron emissions. The same phenomenon appears to have occurred in several different situations, particularly in the chemical evolution of the Earth and Solar System, through seismicity (rocky planets) and storms (gaseous planets). As the authors explore, these phenomena can also explain puzzles related to the history of our planet, like the ocean formation or the primordial carbon pollution, as well as scientific mysteries, like the so-called “cold nuclear fusion” or the correct radio-carbon dating of organic materials, such as the Turin Shroud. In biology, Piezonuclear reactions could explain the mechanism that governs the so-called "sodium-potassium pump" and more in general, the metabolic processes.

Scientists engaged in seismology, geophysics, geochemistry, climatology, planetology, condensed matter physics and b

iology, as well as those involved in theoretical and applied mechanics, will all appreciate the innovative work presented here in a holistic way.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. TeraHertz Phonons and Piezonuclear Reactions from Nano-scale Mechanical Instabilities

Abstract

TeraHertz phonons are produced in condensed matter by mechanical instabilities at the nano-scale (fracture, turbulence, buckling). They present a frequency that is close to the resonance frequency of the atomic lattices and an energy that is close to that of thermal neutrons. A series of fracture experiments on natural rocks has recently demonstrated that the TeraHertz phonons are able to induce fission reactions on medium weight elements with neutron and/or alpha particle emissions. The same phenomenon appears to have occurred in several different situations and to explain puzzles related to the history of our planet, like the ocean formation or the primordial carbon pollution, as well as scientific mysteries, like the so-called “cold nuclear fusion” or the correct radio-carbon dating of organic materials.

Very important applications to earthquake precursors, climate change, energy production, and cell biology can not be excluded.

Alberto Carpinteri

Chapter 2. Correlation Between Acoustic and Other Forms of Energy Emissions from Fracture Phenomena

Abstract

In the present investigation, acoustic (AE), electromagnetic (EME), and neutron (NE) emissions were measured during laboratory compression tests on rock specimens loaded up to failure. All the signals were acquired by a National Instruments Digitizer with eight channels simultaneously sampling. The aim was to find a time correlation between these three different forms of energy emission from rocks under compression. The tests were performed on magnetite and basalt specimens at constant displacement rate. AE signals were detected by applying to the specimen surface a piezoelectric (PZT) transducer with resonance frequency of about 150 kHz. EM signals were revealed by the current induced in a closed circuit due to change in the magnetic flux during specimen compression. The specimens were also monitored by means of a He³ proportional neutron detector. During the tests were first detected the AE signals, and then the EM emission. All the recorded signals were correlated to the load vs time diagrams. The EM signals were obtained, in particular, during the typical snap-back instabilities, which characterize the load versus displacement diagrams of brittle materials such as rocks in compression. Neutron emission signals were generally identified at the end of the tests. As a matter of fact, neutron bursts usually occur when the behaviour of the specimen in compression is particularly brittle. Applications of these monitoring techniques to earthquake forecasting seem to be possible.

Giuseppe Lacidogna, Oscar Borla, Gianni Niccolini, Alberto Carpinteri

Chapter 3. Neutron Emissions and Compositional Changes at the Compression Failure of Iron-Rich Natural Rocks

Abstract

Neutron emissions (NE) were measured during laboratory experiments conducted on iron-bearing and iron-rich rocks. In particular, magnetite specimens were loaded up to the final failure under monotonic displacement control. Also basalt rocks were tested under cyclic loading conditions (2 Hz) up to the final failure. In order to detect neutron emissions, the tests were monitored by two different neutron measurement devices: He³ proportional counter and thermodynamic (bubble) detectors. After the experiments, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were carried out to detect possible direct evidences of low energy nuclear reactions (piezonuclear fission reactions) on the fracture surfaces. In particular, quantitative evidences of nuclear reactions, involving iron decrease and the corresponding increase in lighter elements, were observed in the olivine, crystalline mineral phase widely diffused in the basalt matrix, and in the magnetite. These results reinforce the evidences previously observed for Luserna stone (granitic orthogneiss) and confirm that piezonuclear fission reactions take place in natural iron-bearing materials subjected to damage accumulation and cracking.

Amedeo Manuello, Riccardo Sandrone, Salvatore Guastella, Oscar Borla, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Alberto Carpinteri

Chapter 4. Frequency-Dependent Neutron Emissions During Fatigue Tests on Iron-Rich Natural Rocks

Abstract

The results coming from neutron emission measurements during fatigue experiments performed at low (2 Hz), intermediate (200 Hz), and high (20 kHz) frequency are reported. These results confirm that appreciable neutron emissions, greater than the background level, may be observed during damage accumulation in iron-bearing rocks: granite (Fe oxides ~1.5 %), basalt (Fe oxides ~15 %), and magnetite (Fe oxides ~75 %). The neutron detection, together with temperature measurements obtained by infrared revelation, lead to the conclusion that fatigue tests performed at 200 Hz represent the condition for which the neutron emission is the highest. This evidence seems to be particularly important considering recent results from seismological observation of the Jacinto fault in the Southern California and the neutron emissions detected during seismic activity.

Alberto Carpinteri, Francesca Maria Curà, Raffaella Sesana, Amedeo Manuello, Oscar Borla, Giuseppe Lacidogna

Chapter 5. Alpha Particle Emissions from Carrara Marble Specimens Crushed in Compression and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Correlated Nuclear Transmutations

Abstract

Neutron emission measurements were carried out by means of a He³ detector on Carrara marble specimens under compression. While granite generated neutrons − due to piezonuclear reactions involving fission of iron into aluminum – this phenomenon did not appear in marble crushing tests. On the other hand, significant alpha particle fluctuations were detected by a 6150 AD-k probe during the same compression tests.

The external and fracture surfaces belonging to Carrara marble specimens crushed during the compression tests were analyzed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Such quantitative compositional analyses were carried out in order to detect any variation in Carrara marble chemical composition due to brittle failure. A total decrement in Ca, Mg, and O by 13 % as well as an equivalent increment in C were observed on the fracture surface with respect to the external surface. The assumed transmutations involve elements with an equal number of protons and neutrons. For this reason, the micro-chemical analyses suggest piezonuclear reactions accompanied by alpha particle emissions, but without neutron emissions, in the crushing experiments on marble specimens.

Alberto Carpinteri, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Oscar Borla

Chapter 6. Elemental Content Variations in Crushed Mortar Specimens Measured by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

Abstract

Previous investigations concerning neutron emission measurements highlighted piezonuclear fission reactions during mechanical tests on iron-rich materials. Based on our experimental evidences, iron can be considered one of the most convenient elements as regards fission into aluminium or into magnesium and silicon. In the present investigation, we apply the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) in order to provide experimental evidence of elemental content variations in mortar specimens subjected to compression tests up to crushing failure. To emphasize such a phenomenon, the specimens were highly enriched with iron oxides. Twenty-four chemical elements, including iron, aluminum, magnesium, and silicon, were quantified before and after the mechanical tests by means of chemical and INAA analyses. Our intention was mainly that of confirming low energy nuclear reactions involving fission of iron into aluminum. To this purpose, the concentrations of aluminum before and after the compression tests of the mortar specimens are presented and discussed.

Alberto Carpinteri, Oscar Borla, Giuseppe Lacidogna

Chapter 7. Piezonuclear Evidences from Tensile and Compression Tests on Steel

Abstract

Piezonuclear reactions concern neutron emissions triggered by high-frequency pressure-waves in inert, non-radioactive materials. This phenomenon has recently been detected in liquid solutions and brittle solids. In the present paper, the investigation is extended to a more ductile material, as steel is, subjected to different loading conditions. Although piezonuclear reactions are more likely to take place during the failure of brittle materials, the phenomenon is revealed also with the more ductile failure of metallic materials.

Stefano Invernizzi, Oscar Borla, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Alberto Carpinteri

Chapter 8. Cold Nuclear Fusion Explained by Hydrogen Embrittlement and Piezonuclear Fissions in Metallic Electrodes: Part I: Ni-Fe and Co-Cr Electrodes

Abstract

Several evidences of anomalous nuclear reactions occurring in condensed matter have been observed in the phenomenon of electrolysis. Despite the great amount of experimental results coming from the so-called Cold Nuclear Fusion research activities, the comprehension of these phenomena still remains unsatisfactory. On the other hand, as reported by most of the articles devoted to Cold Nuclear Fusion, one of the principal features is the appearance of micro-cracks on the electrode surfaces after the experiments. In the present paper, a mechanical explanation is proposed considering a new kind of nuclear reactions, the piezonuclear fissions, which are a consequence of hydrogen embrittlement of the electrodes during electrolysis. The experimental activity was conducted using a Ni-Fe anode and a Co-Cr cathode immersed in a potassium carbonate solution. Emissions of neutrons and alpha particles were measured during the experiments and the electrode compositions were analyzed both before and after the electrolysis, revealing the effects of piezonuclear fissions occurring in the host lattices. The symmetrical fission of Ni appears to be the most evident observation. Such reaction would produce two Si atoms or two Mg atoms with alpha particles and neutrons as additional fragments.

Alberto Carpinteri, Oscar Borla, Alessandro Goi, Amedeo Manuello, Diego Veneziano

Chapter 9. Cold Nuclear Fusion Explained by Hydrogen Embrittlement and Piezonuclear Fissions in Metallic Electrodes: Part II: Pd and Ni Electrodes

Abstract

Recent experiments provided evidence of piezonuclear reactions occurring in condensed matter during electrolysis. These experiments were characterized by significant neutron and alpha particle emissions, together with appreciable variations in the chemical composition at the electrode surfaces. A mechanical reason for the so-called Cold Nuclear Fusion was recently proposed by the authors. The hydrogen embrittlement due to H atoms produced by the electrolysis plays an essential role for the observed micro-cracking in the electrode host metals (Pd and Ni). Consequently, our hypothesis is that piezonuclear fission reactions may occur in correspondence to the micro-crack formation or propagation. In order to confirm the early results obtained by the Ni-Fe and Co-Cr electrodes and presented in the companion paper (Part I), electrolytic tests have been conducted using 100 % Pd at the cathode and 90 % Ni at the anode. As a result, relevant compositional changes and the appearance of elements previously absent have been observed on the Pd and Ni electrodes after the experiments, as well as significant neutron emissions. The most relevant process emerging from the experiment is the primary fission of palladium into iron and calcium. Then, secondary fissions of both the products as well as of nickel in the other electrode appear in turn producing oxygen atoms, alpha particles, and neutrons.

Alberto Carpinteri, Oscar Borla, Alessandro Goi, Salvatore Guastella, Amedeo Manuello, Diego Veneziano

Chapter 10. Piezonuclear Neutron Emissions from Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions

Abstract

Recent neutron emission detections have led to consider also the Earth’s crust, in addition to cosmic rays, as a relevant source of neutron flux variations. Neutron emissions measured in seismic areas of the Pamir region (4200 m a.s.l.) exceeded the usual neutron background level up to three orders of magnitude in correspondence to seismic activity and rather appreciable earthquakes of a magnitude of approximately the 4th degree in the Richter scale. The authors present an additional analysis with respect to those carried out by other research groups. Their studies start from recent data acquired at the “Testa Grigia” Laboratory of Plateau Rosa, Cervinia, during an experimental campaign on the evaluation of neutron radiation from cosmic rays. Even more recent data refer to dedicated experimental trials carried out in Northern Italy, at the seismic district of “Val Trebbia”, Bettola, Piacenza. Moreover, the authors present the results they are obtaining at a gypsum mine located in Murisengo (Alessandria), Italy. The observations reveal a strong correlation between AE/EME/NE events and the major earthquakes in the surrounding area. The assessment of the neutron radiation at an environmental level could help to make a clear distinction between the component from the Cosmic Rays and the component from the Earth’s crust.

Oscar Borla, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Alberto Carpinteri

Chapter 11. Is the Shroud of Turin in Relation to the Old Jerusalem Historical Earthquake?

Abstract

Phillips and Hedges suggested, in the scientific magazine Nature (1989), that neutron radiation could be liable of a wrong radiocarbon dating, while proton radiation could be responsible of the Shroud body image formation. On the other hand, no plausible physical reason has been proposed so far to explain the radiation source origin, and its effects on the linen fibres. However, some recent studies, carried out by the first author and his Team at the Laboratory of Fracture Mechanics of the Politecnico di Torino, found that it is possible to generate neutron emissions from very brittle rock specimens in compression through piezonuclear fission reactions. Analogously, neutron flux increments, in correspondence to seismic activity, should be a result of the same reactions. A group of Russian scientists measured a neutron flux exceeding the background level by three orders of magnitude in correspondence to rather appreciable earthquakes (4th degree in Richter Scale). The authors consider the possibility that neutron emissions by earthquakes could have induced the image formation on Shroud linen fibres, trough thermal neutron capture by Nitrogen nuclei, and provided a wrong radiocarbon dating due to an increment in C ₆ ¹⁴ content. Let us consider that, although the calculated integral flux of 10¹³ neutrons per square centimetre is 10 times greater than the cancer therapy dose, nevertheless it is 100 times smaller than the lethal dose.

Alberto Carpinteri, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Oscar Borla

Chapter 12. Evolution and Fate of Chemical Elements in the Earth’s Crust, Ocean, and Atmosphere

Abstract

The Earth’s composition and evolution are topics that give rise to unanswered questions. However, some of the main evidences involving geology, geophysics and climatic equilibrium of our planet seem to imply a possible common explanation. Recently, several data, coming from geochemistry and geomechanics, have emphasized how tectonic activity should have been strictly connected to the most important changes in the Earth’s Crust chemical composition over the last 4.5 Billion years. At the same time, significant measurements of neutron emissions are observed at the Earth’s Crust scale during and before earthquakes. On the other hand, at the laboratory scale, original experiments performed on non-radioactive rocks under mechanical compression loading, have recently shown repeatable neutron emissions in correspondence to micro- and macro-fracture. After these experiments, a considerable reduction in the iron content appears to be consistently counterbalanced by an increase in Al, Si, and Mg contents. On these bases, the hypothesis of a new kind of nuclear reactions finds confirmations and could be considered as a valid explanation for the geologic evolution of the Earth’s Crust, Ocean, and Atmosphere.

Alberto Carpinteri, Amedeo Manuello

Chapter 13. Chemical Evolution in the Earth’s Mantle and Its Explanation Based on Piezonuclear Fission Reactions

Abstract

The anomalous chemical balances at the major events in the geomechanical and geochemical evolution of the Earth’s crust should be considered as indirect evidences of piezonuclear fission reactions. Recent results observed at the scale of the Earth’s crust and reproduced at the scale of the laboratory during quasi-static and repeated loading experiments may be extended to the different layers of the planet like the atmosphere and the bulk Earth (mantle and external core). The mantle of our planet is characterized by very high pressures and temperatures (~150 GPa and ~4000 °C) that could favour this kind of reactions. In the present paper, it is shown that the most important chemical changes in the Earth’s crust evolution may be recognized also at the internal Earth’s layers. Recent investigations have shown that also the mantle is characterized by significant compositional time variations. This evolution may be interpreted in the light of the same nuclear reactions recently proposed to explain the chemical changes in the Earth’s continental crust and atmosphere through the entire life of our planet.

Alberto Carpinteri, Amedeo Manuello, Luca Negri

Chapter 14. Piezonuclear Fission Reactions Triggered by Fracture and Turbulence in the Rocky and Gaseous Planets of the Solar System

Abstract

Evidences from the planets of the Solar System are presented and interpreted in the light of piezonuclear fission reactions. In particular, results coming from different investigations are reported for the crust of Mars. They were made available by NASA space missions during the last 15 years. The concentration increment in certain elements (Fe, Cl, and Ar) and the corresponding decrement in others (Ni and K), together with neutron emissions at Mars largest faults, should be considered as directly correlated phenomena. The findings presented provide a clear evidence of how seismic activity has contributed to the Red Planet’s compositional evolution. Analogous evidences regard Mercury, Jupiter, and the Sun itself. The major compositional variations are interpreted according to piezonuclear fission reactions triggered by earthquakes in rocky planets and by storms in gaseous planets as well as in our star. These conjectures, which were originated from the analysis of geological and geophysical evolution of the Earth’s crust, are based on recent evidence of neutron and alpha particle emissions during brittle fracture experiments carried out on inert non-radioactive rocks (granite, basalt, magnetite, marble).

Alberto Carpinteri, Amedeo Manuello, Luca Negri

Chapter 15. Piezonuclear Fission Reactions Simulated by the Lattice Model of the Atomic Nucleus

Abstract

Recent experiments conducted on natural rocks subjected to different mechanical loading conditions have shown energy emissions in the form of neutrons and anomalous chemical changes. In the present study, a numerical model is used to simulate the nuclear products according to the fission interpretation. Specifically, the reactions were simulated by means of the Lattice Model of the atomic nucleous, assuming nucleons ordered in an antiferromagnetic face-centered-cubic (fcc) array. The simulations indicate that small and middle-sized nuclei can be fractured along weakly-bound planes of the lattice structure. It is argued that the simulations provide theoretical support to the experimentally-observed reactions and, moreover, that the probabilities calculated for various low-energy fissions can be used to explain the stepwise time changes in the element abundances of the Earth’s crust, which has evolved from basaltic to sialic composition over geological time.

Norman D. Cook, Amedeo Manuello, Diego Veneziano, Alberto Carpinteri

Chapter 16. Correlated Fracture Precursors in Rocks and Cement-Based Materials Under Stress

Abstract

This paper presents experimental results on the evolution of damage by acoustic-emission and electrical resistance measurements in rock and cement mortar specimens during uniaxial compression tests. Once defined a specific damage parameter in terms of cumulated number of acoustic emission events, evaluated by their magnitude, two scaling laws are proposed which correlate respectively the electrical resistance variation and the acoustic emission b-value with the cumulative damage D. The electrical resistance variation is expressed as the ratio R ₀/R, where R ₀ is the resistance of the undamaged specimen and R is that obtained during the test. The first scaling law describes a relevant correlation between acoustic emission and electrical resistance measurements, while the second one shows internal consistency of two metrics both derived from acoustic emission data.

Gianni Niccolini, Oscar Borla, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Alberto Carpinteri

Chapter 17. The Sacred Mountain of Varallo Renaissance Complex in Italy: Damage Analysis of Decorated Surfaces and Structural Supports

Abstract

Acoustic Emission (AE) is a Non-Destructive Inspection Technique, widely used for monitoring of structural condition of different materials like concrete, masonry and rocks. It utilizes the transient elastic waves produced by each fracture occurrence, which are captured by sensors on the external surface.

The preservation of the mural painting heritage is a complex problem that requires the use of innovative non-destructive investigation methodologies to assess the integrity of decorated artworks without altering their state of conservation. A complete diagnosis of crack pattern regarding not only the external decorated surface but also the internal support is of great importance due to the criticality of internal defects and damage phenomena, that may suddenly degenerate into irreversible failures. The majority of NDT work by introducing some type of energy into the system to be analysed. On the other hand, in AE tests the input is the mechanical stress inside the material itself during the damage evolution, so that no perturbation is induced and the integrity of the system can be guaranteed. By monitoring the support of a decorated surface by means of the AE technique, it becomes possible to detect the occurrence and evolution of surface vs. support separation and stress-induced cracks.

The aim of this study is to reveal by means of the AE technique the damage evolution in the support of the decorated surfaces of the Renaissance Complex “Sacri Monti di Varallo” (Piedmont, Italy) and to utilize the collected data coming from the “in situ” monitoring in order to preserve the artworks from seismic risk and possible collapses due to earthquake actions.

Federico Accornero, Stefano Invernizzi, Giuseppe Lacidogna, Alberto Carpinteri

Titel: Acoustic, Electromagnetic, Neutron Emissions from Fracture and Earthquakes
herausgegeben von: Alberto Carpinteri
Giuseppe Lacidogna
Amedeo Manuello
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-16955-2
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16954-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16955-2

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