spallation

(noun)

A type of nuclear fission reaction in which cosmic rays of light cause a nucleus to emit a large number of nucleons (protons and neutrons), leading to the formation of new elements (nucleosynthesis).

Related Terms

Examples of spallation in the following topics:

  • Elemental Boron

    • Boron is produced by cosmic ray spallation, is a metalloid, and is essential to life.
    • Boron is produced entirely by cosmic ray spallation (as a result of nuclear reactions), and not by stellar nucleosynthesis (not within stars as a result of fusion or supernovae).