MRI/RUI: Acquisition of An X-Ray Diffractometer

Minot State University, Minot ND

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, Ryan S. Winburn and John R. Webster of Minot State University will acquire an X-ray diffractometer. The research projects to be undertaken with this instrument include a) examination of instrumental factors affecting the accuracy of Rietveld quantitative X-ray diffraction; b) structure solution of materials; c) quantitative mineralogical analysis of volcanic rocks as part of petrologic research; d) determination of structural parameters of volcanic rocks; e) quantitative mineralogical analysis and determination of structural parameters in solid solutions for heavy mineral separates from North Dakota sandstones; and f) clay mineralogy of river embankment slopes to determine correlation with stability. The X-ray diffractometer allows accurate and precise measurements of the full three dimensional structure of a molecule, including bond distances and angles, and it provides accurate information about the spatial arrangement of the molecule relative to the neighboring molecules. These studies will have a strong impact in geochemistry.