Acquisition of an Advanced Optical Microscopy Laboratory for Computer Integrated Analysis of Fault Rock Fabrics and Fractures

0824980Shaw本提案寻求资金购买显微镜和样品制备设备，以便在蒙大拿州立大学建立天然材料岩石微观结构实验室。该设备的总体目标是成像和分析晶体优选取向（CPO）织物和微观结构。该设施将包括使用计算机集成极化（CIP）显微镜进行光学定向分析和使用荧光显微镜进行断裂微观结构分析的能力。需要的是配备CIP的具有荧光和数字成像能力的奥林巴斯BX51瞄准镜和带有偏振附件的奥林巴斯SZX-16瞄准镜。为了实现数字成像，需要配备数字化监视器的工作站。样品制备需要精密锯床、磨床/抛光机和配件。该仪器将用于正在进行的美国国家科学基金会ear资助的地震破裂前后大陆地壳塑性变形研究。分析石英晶体取向、裂缝密度和粒度分布，以更好地了解中深部地壳地震断裂的变形机制和古应力条件。分析石英脉和含伪水杨酸样品，了解变形机制。CIP和电子背散射衍射（EBSD）将用于绘制取向图，这反过来又与变形过程中的应变场估计有关。相关项目将使用仪器分析积雪流变学，通过确定烧结颗粒雪界的首选取向，化石骨骼中的磷灰石取向作为压力适应和生活方式的代理，以及化石恐龙和鸟蛋中的方解石晶体取向，以更好地了解鸟类繁殖的进化。该仪器将被纳入现有的两栋建筑之一的实验室空间。准备设备将并入现有的岩石准备室。维修费用被认为是最低的，供应估计每年只有约1,250美元。消耗性用品将从适用的研究补助金中扣除。由于预期电脑和软件的维护费用，将向用户收取象征性的费用。MNM实验室将补充MSU已有的仪器。所要求的EBSD样品制备设备将允许更高的样品吞吐量，并减少在另一个部门制备样品的需要。通过新设施，跨学科和跨部门的合作将成为可能。由于所需设备的坚固性，学生将获得实践经验和教育。由于这一设施的独特性质，传播的结果将引起广泛的兴趣。＊＊＊

0824980Shaw This proposal seeks funding to acquire a microscopy and sample preparation equipment in order to create a Rock Microstructure of Natural Materials Laboratory at Montana State University. The overall goal of the facility is to image and analyze crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) fabrics and microstructures. The facility will comprise capabilities for optical orientation analysis with Computer Integrated Polarization (CIP) microscopy and fracture microstructural analysis using epifluorescence microscopy. Requested are an Olympus BX51 scope with fluorescence and digital imaging capabilities fitted with CIP and an Olympus SZX-16 scope with polarization accessories. For digital imaging, a workstation with digitizing monitor is requested. For sample preparation, a precision saw, grinder/polisher and accessories are requested. The instrumentation will be employed for on-going NSF EAR-funded research on seismic rupture pre- and post-rupture plastic deformation in the lower and middle continental crust. Quartz crystallographic orientation will be assayed along with fracture density and grain size distributions to better understand deformation mechanisms and paleostress conditions from middle and deep crust seismic faults. Quartz vein and pseudotachylyte-bearing samples will be analyzed to understand deformation mechanisms. CIP and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) will be used to map orientation and this in turn will be related to estimate the strain field during deformation. Associated projects will have the instrumentation applied to analyzing snowpack rheology by determining preferred orientation at sintered grain snow boundaries, apatite orientation in fossil bones as a proxy for stress adaptation and lifestyle, and the orientation of calcite crystals in fossil dinosaur and bird eggs to better understand the evolution of avian reproduction. The instrumentation will be incorporated into existing laboratory space in one of two buildings. The preparation equipment will be incorporated into an existing rock preparation room. Maintenance costs are assumed to be minimal with supply estimates at only ~$1,250 per year. Expendable supplies will be charged to applicable research grants. A nominal fee will be charged to users in anticipation of computer and software maintenance costs. The MNM lab will compliment instrumentation already available at MSU. The requested EBSD sample preparation equipment will allow higher sample throughput and alleviate the need to prepare samples in another department. Interdisciplinary and inter-departmental collaboration will be possible through the new facility. Due to the robust nature of the requested equipment, students will gain hands-on experience and education. Due to the unique nature of this facility, disseminated results will be of broad interest. ***