Piezonuclear evidences from tensile and compression tests on steel

Piezonuclear reactions concern neutron emissions triggered by highfrequency 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.