AeroMat Home      Exposition      To Register      ASM Homepage
Back to "AeroMat 2004 Plenary Program - Globalization: Benefits and Challenges" Search
  Back to "Plenary Program" Search  Back to Main Search

Monday, June 7, 2004 - 1:20 PM
PLEN1.1

Global Market, Global Supply: An Airbus Materials Perspective

R. P. Digby, Airbus, Filton, Bristol, United Kingdom

Roger Digby is Head of Materials & Processes at Airbus UK. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of materials and processes within the UK, and for ensuring that the materials and processes capability of Airbus UK supports the trans-national requirements of Airbus. His department provides expertise in all aspects of materials science (metals, polymers, composites, surface treatments, NDT), mechanical fasteners (rivets, bolts, etc.) and is responsible for development, specification and qualification of all materials and processes used in the manufacture of the wings for Airbus aircraft. Prior to joining Airbus UK, Dr. Digby was Chief Materials Engineer and Head of Laboratories at GKN Aerospace Services, responsible for the delivery of expert advice and laboratory services and support on all aspects of materials science and technology within all areas of the business. He was also previously employed by the UK government as a Technical Leader for Adhesion and Surface Science at DERA, the Defense Evaluation & Research Agency. Dr. Digby holds a BS degree in Materials Technology and a PhD in Materials Science. His Doctorate was conferred for his work on the pre-treatment of aluminum and the durability of adhesive bonds. Since 1992, he’s worked extensively on understanding and developing new materials, applications and manufacturing processes, primarily for the aerospace industry. His publications include papers on the surface treatment of metals, adhesive bond durability, composite materials, fatigue life prediction and understanding organosilane coupling agents.