Research at neutron sources in Canada, the U.S., and Europe has led to multiple advances in the global aerospace industry. Notably, it has improved aircraft components and their manufacturing methods using high-performance materials, which increase safety, lower emissions and waste, and extend the service life of aircraft. Neutrons are uniquely suited to non-destructively measure stress inside prototype components and materials to ensure they perform as desired. These measurements are often used by research teams involving major players in the aerospace supply chain.
The present value of benefits to the U.S. economy from increased safety over 2008 to 2030 and that can be attributed to research using neutrons, is estimated at $500 million (source: Research Triangle Institute). Scaling the impact to Canada’s participation in the aerospace industry places the value to Canada at approximately $75 million. Benefits from lower greenhouse gas emissions and increased aircraft service life are additional.
Today, as Canada participates in the growing space travel and exploration sub-industry, the impact of research using neutrons in aerospace will grow as well, safeguarding human lives and increasing economic prosperity.
