MRI/RUI: Acquisition of An X-Ray Diffractometer

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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.