A diffeomorphism classification of generalized Witten manifolds

We give a classification of a specific family of seven-dimensional manifolds, the generalized Witten manifolds up to homeomorphism and diffeomorphism. Using an approach suggested by J. Shaneson, we develop a modified surgery theory which fully classifies these manifolds. In contrast to previous approaches, this surgery theory is designed to be more readily applicable to higher dimensions. The family contains examples of manifolds which admit Einstein metrics and are homeomorphic but not diffeomorphic. These particular manifolds occur naturally in differential geometry and are of great interest to both differential geometers and physicists.