Investigating the Emission of Neutrons during the Fracturing of D2O Ice and during the Fracturing of Ti Shavings Immersed in D2O.
Abstract
We developed an experimental apparatus to repeat the deuterated ice (D2O) fracturing experiments reported by the Soviet group of Deryagin. In particular, we designed and characterized both a low-level neutron detection system, and in parallel, a high velocity projectile technique to fracture ice. The primary objective of this experiment was to reproduce if possible the claimed rate of neutron production during the fracturing process. A key factor was distinguishing any such signal from the low-level cosmic ray background of neutrons. We performed several sets of preliminary neutron-production measurements that involved fracturing D2O-ice with a projectile fired from a high velocity air gun. These experiments were then analyzed in detail, statistically, using Poisson simulation methods. The results were found to be inconclusive, because neither the neutron detection efficiency nor the rate of firing shots were high enough. We then developed a second-generation neutron detection system that had a tenfold increase in detection efficiency. In addition to the ice fracturing experiments, we performed an experiment in which titanium shavings immersed in D2O were fractured in a ball mill. This experiment produced no evidence for neutron emission. Also, we performed some exploratory experiments using microwave-plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition to produce carbonized titanium that was loaded with deuterium. In this process, a high density of cracking occurred, that could have produced fractoemission of neutrons. jg p.5
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA299159
Entities
People
- Edward S. Kenney
- Gary L. Catchen
- J. J. Mecholsky
- Stewart K. Kurtz
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University