This is one component of collaborative research between U.C.-Davis and Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory to determine the domain structures that are most characteristic in Ti-rich titanomagnetites. Despite many years of study, an adequate understanding of the complex domain structures observed on titanomagnetite has proved elusive. Recently, however, it has been suggested that most of these structures are controlled by strong non-uniform residual stresses which cause their domain style to vary dramatically with position within single particles. This hypothesis has profound implications. However, it is possible that the stresses responsible for these unusual domain structures are largely artifacts produced by the surface pre- paration methods used for domain pattern studies. Therefore, it is imperative to determine which domain structures are truly representative of Ti-rich titanomagnetites. A combination of theory and experiment will provide a better understanding of the domain structures in titanomagnetites and will lead naturally to a better understanding of their magnetic properties. Full funding is recommended.
