Fifty years of Structures and Materials Technology in Canada — An NRC Perspective

Abstract

Canada has developed a vibrant and productive aerospace industry that has added tremendously to the nation's reputation for engineering excellence and industrial innovation. Interestingly, Canada produces very few of the main classes of semi-finished aerospace quality structural products, such as rolled metal sheet, plate, or forgings. However, the country has learned how to design with and to use these materials in manufacturing, and has produced innovative products that have sold around the world. It has learned how to operate and maintain advanced aerospace products and equipment, and through intelligent life-cycle management has learned to extract maximum value from its aerospace assets. This paper will review the evolution of structures and materials technology in Canada over the past 50 years and identify some of the main products and engineering capabilities that have been developed and (or) operated over this period.