Acoustic, Electromagnetic, Neutron Emissions from Fracture and Earthquakes

This book presents the relevant consequences of recently discovered and interdisciplinary phenomena triggered by local mechanical instabilities. Vibrations at the TeraHertz frequency are in fact produced at the nano-scale in solids and fluids by fracture and cavitation, respectively. They present a frequency close to that of resonance in the atomic lattices and an energy close to that of thermal neutrons. A series of fracture experiments on natural rocks demonstrate that the TeraHertz vibrations are able to induce fission reactions on medium weight elements accompanied by neutron emissions, without gamma radiation and radioactive wastes. The same phenomenon appears to have occurred in several different situations and, in particular, in the chemical evolution of Earth and Solar System, through seismicity (rocky planets) and storms (gaseous planets). It 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. Very important applications to earthquake precursors, climate change, energy production, and cellular biology cannot be excluded in the future on the basis of the topics treated in the present volume. Scientists engaged in seismology, geophysics, geochemistry, climatology, planetology, condensed matter physics, biology, besides theoretical and applied mechanics, could receive a great benefit from the innovative and holistic view of this book. I would like to thank my two Co-Editors, Prof. Giuseppe Lacidogna and Dr. Amedeo Manuello, for their untiring efforts during the last seven years in carrying out with me this difficult and cutting-edge research work. A sincere and thankful acknowledgement is also due to the Co-Authors of the different chapters for their important scientific contributions. Thanks are in particular due to Dr. Oscar Borla for his specific expertise and contribution in environment neutron measurements. Torino, Italy, Alberto Carpinteri September 2015