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.
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This award was a supplement to an earlier grant that provided funds to create a specialized microscope laboratory and sample preparation facility for studying the crystalline structure of natural and engineered materials. The lab will be used primarily by researchers, graduate students and undergradaute students at Montana State University (MSU). The award was used to purchase two research-grade optical microscopes, a semi-automated rotary polisher and a vibratory polisher. Some funds were also used to design and fabricate special optical components for the microscopes. A third microscope already owned by MSU was retorfitted to study the crystalline structure of ice. The lab has three main capabilities: Standard petrography (study of rocks) using polarized light microscopy. Computer Integrated Polarization (CIP) microscopy to study the orientation of crystal grains within rocks, ice, fossils and other materials. Sample preparation of geologic, metalic and ceramic materials for analysis by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). EBSD is another way to study the crystalline structure of materials and is complementary to CIP. The laboratory facilities are being used to study: Deformation processes of fault rocks in the deep crust. This work will help us to understand the mechanics of earthquake faulting. Deformation processes in glacial ice and snow (with the SubZero cold lab at MSU). This will help us to better understand the dynamics of glacial flow and consolidation of snow slabs that pose a danger of avalanche. The crystalline structure of dinosaur eggshells (with Dr. Frankkie Jackson, MSU). this will help to shed light on the adaptations of dinosaur eggs to different reproductive habits and the processes that lead to preservation of fossil eggs (fosilization and diagenesis). Processes of biologically mediated corrosion in diesel fuel tanks (with Dr. Recep Avci, MSU). Coatings for metallic parts in fuel cells (with Dr. Paul Gannon, MSU).
