July 2013 

NASA/TM2013-218016 

NESC-RP-09-00565 

 

Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

Richard T. French 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California 

Michael J. Wright 

Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 
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July 2013 

NASA/TM2013-218016 

NESC-RP-09-00565 

 

Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

Richard T. French 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California 

Michael J. Wright 

Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 
Available from: 

NASA Center for AeroSpace Information 

7115 Standard Drive 

Hanover, MD 21076-1320 

443-757-5802 

Acknowledgments 

Early development of the database and proposal support was provided the CEV 

TPS advanced development project. Substantial support was provided by the 

Thermophysics Facilities Branch at ARC, which oversees the Arc Jet Complex 

(AJC). The success of the TPDS project would not have been possible without the 

invaluable contributions of key stakeholders on the design of the database. Of 

most significance are the contributions of Imelda Terrazas-Salinas, ARC AJC test 

engineering group lead, and her team of test engineers, including Enrique 

Carballo and Frank Hui. Also making major contributions at ARC are key 

stakeholders Jose Santos, Cesar Acosta, and Jeff Mach. David Hash provided 

constant advocacy and project management at ARC. Other contributors include 

thermal performance community principal investigators and analysts. 

The use of trademarks or names of manufacturers in the report is for accurate reporting and does not 

constitute an official endorsement, either expressed or implied, of such products or manufacturers by the 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS)

May 30, 2013
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Report Approval and Revision History 

NOTE: This document was approved at the May 30, 2013, NRB. This document was submitted 

to the NESC Director on June 7, 2013, for configuration control. 

Approved:

NESC Director Date

Version Description of Revision Office of Primary 

Responsibility Effective Date

1.0 Initial Release Dr. David M. Schuster, 

NASA Technical Fellow 

for Aerosciences, LaRC

5/30/13

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Table of Contents 

Technical Assessment Report 

1.0 Notification and Authorization ..................................................................................................... 5

2.0 Signature Page ................................................................................................................................ 6

3.0 Team List ........................................................................................................................................ 7

3.1 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 7

4.0 Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 8

5.0 Assessment Plan ........................................................................................................................... 10

6.0 Problem Description and Background ....................................................................................... 11

6.1 Requirements Definition ................................................................................................... 11

6.2 System Design and Development Activities ..................................................................... 12

6.3 Establishing Data Format Control .................................................................................... 12

6.4 Hardware Architecture ...................................................................................................... 13

6.5 Software Architecture ....................................................................................................... 14

6.5.1 Test Series Schema ........................................................................................................... 16

6.5.2 Test Run Schema .............................................................................................................. 17

6.5.3 Test Condition and Insertion Schema ............................................................................... 17

6.5.4 Security Schema ............................................................................................................... 18

7.0 Testing and Development ............................................................................................................ 19

7.1 Applications Feature ......................................................................................................... 21

7.1.1 Entry Page ......................................................................................................................... 21

7.1.2 Browse Page ..................................................................................................................... 22

7.1.3 Test Series and Test Run Page .......................................................................................... 23

7.1.4 Shopping Cart Feature ...................................................................................................... 24

7.1.5 Test Package Upload ........................................................................................................ 25

7.1.6 Administrative Features .................................................................................................... 26

7.2 System Security ................................................................................................................ 27

7.3 Operational Status ............................................................................................................. 31

7.4 Interaction with the Thermal Performance Community ................................................... 31

7.5 Transfer of System to Sponsor .......................................................................................... 32

8.0 Findings, Observations, and NESC Recommendations............................................................ 32

8.1 Findings ............................................................................................................................ 32

8.2 Observations ..................................................................................................................... 33

8.3 NESC Recommendations ................................................................................................. 33

9.0 Alternate Viewpoint ..................................................................................................................... 34

10.0 Other Deliverables ....................................................................................................................... 34

11.0 Lessons Learned ........................................................................................................................... 34

12.0 Recommendations for NASA Standards and Specifications .................................................... 34

13.0 Definition of Terms ...................................................................................................................... 34
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14.0 Acronyms List .............................................................................................................................. 35

15.0 References ..................................................................................................................................... 36

16.0 Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 36

List of Figures 

Figure 6.3-1. TPDS ICDs ........................................................................................................... 13

Figure 6.4-1. TPDS Hardware Layout ........................................................................................ 14

Figure 6.5-1. TPDS Software Architecture ................................................................................ 15

Figure 6.5-2. Top-Level Facility Artifacts Schema .................................................................... 16

Figure 6.5-3. Test Series Schema ............................................................................................... 16

Figure 6.5-4. Test Run Schema .................................................................................................. 17

Figure 6.5-5. Test Condition and Insertion Schema ................................................................... 18

Figure 6.5-6. Security Schema.................................................................................................... 19

Figure 7.0-1. ST1 PI Exercising TPDS ...................................................................................... 21

Figure 7.1-1. TPDS Entry Page .................................................................................................. 22

Figure 7.1-2. TPDS Browse Page ............................................................................................... 23

Figure 7.1-3. Show Test Series Page .......................................................................................... 24

Figure 7.1-4. TPDS Shopping Cart Feature for Data Product Download .................................. 25

Figure 7.1-5. Data Package Upload Interface ............................................................................. 26

Figure 7.1-6. TPDS Administration Page ................................................................................... 27

Figure 7.2-1. TPDS Account Request Process ........................................................................... 28

Figure 7.2-2. Secure Data Type Listing...................................................................................... 29

Figure 7.2-3. TPDS Global and Restricted Data Types .............................................................. 30

List of Tables 

Table 7.0-1. TPDS Build History .............................................................................................. 20

 
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Technical Assessment Report 

1.0 Notification and Authorization 

The need for the Thermal Performance Database (TPDB) was identified during the Constellation 

Program Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) thermal protection system (TPS) advanced 

development project. The motivation for this activity stemmed from the lack of a central 

database for thermal performance test results (arc jet testing) and analyses, which are required to 

make critical design decisions. Data from previous and current flight projects requiring TPS 

development have been difficult to obtain, and thermal performance testing and analysis costs 

are high and represent a significant Agency investment. The data, even for a single test, can 

reside in multiple locations; analysts and stakeholders expend an inappropriate level of effort 

collecting data and validating the data set. Much of the data are manually entered into individual 

spreadsheets that must be merged to provide inputs for an analysis, in part because no standard 

reporting across the Agency has been developed. Decision makers subsequently find it difficult 

to draw conclusions and make ultimate use of the testing and analysis. Historical data are also 

difficult to find and validate properly. This was particularly evident in the run-up to system 

down select, which was to make the critical decision between TPS materials for the CEV. 

The assessment plan was approved by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) 

Review Board (NRB) on November 19, 2009. Dr. Michael Wright of Ames Research 

Center (ARC) was appointed assessment lead, and Mr. Richard French of the Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory (JPL) was appointed deputy lead. Follow-on assessment plans were approved on 

September 23, 2010, and September 29, 2011. 

The key stakeholders are NASA missions and Programs, and members of the TPS community, 

including test facility personnel, principal investigators, and thermal analysts. The database was 

designed, developed, and tested in conjunction with these key stakeholders. 

Note that the project was renamed in March of 2012 from the TPDB to Thermal Performance 

Data Services (TPDS). 
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2.0 Signature Page 

Submitted by: 

Dr. Michael J. Wright Date 

Significant Contributors: 

Mr. Richard T. French Date Mr. Myron R. Grover Date 

Signatories declare the findings, observations, and NESC recommendations compiled in the 

report are factually based from data extracted from program/project documents, contractor 

reports, and open literature, and/or generated from independently conducted tests, analyses, and 

inspections. 

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3.0 Team List 

Name Discipline Organization

Core Team 

David Schuster NESC Lead LaRC 

Michael Wright Technical Lead ARC 

Richard French Technical Deputy Lead JPL 

Linda Anderson MTSO Program Analyst LaRC 

Faranak Davoodi Software JPL 

Alex Eiser Software ARC 

Michael Gangl Software JPL 

Myron (Rob) Grover Systems Engineering Lead JPL 

David Hash Chief, Aerothermodynamics Branch ARC 

Thomas Huang Software Lead JPL 

Kristle McCracken Human Computer Interface Design ARC 

Matt Sharpe Human Computer Interface Design ARC 

Irene Tollinger Human Computer Interface Design Lead ARC 

Administrative Support 

Linda Burgess Planning and Control Analyst LaRC/AMA 

Jonay Campbell Technical Writer LaRC/NG 

3.1 Acknowledgements 

Early development of the database and proposal support was provided the CEV TPS advanced 

development project. Substantial support was provided by the Thermophysics Facilities Branch 

at ARC, which oversees the Arc Jet Complex (AJC). The success of the TPDS project would not 

have been possible without the invaluable contributions of key stakeholders on the design of the 

database. Of most significance are the contributions of Imelda Terrazas-Salinas, ARC AJC test 

engineering group lead, and her team of test engineers, including Enrique Carballo and Frank 

Hui. Also making major contributions at ARC are key stakeholders Jose Santos, Cesar Acosta, 

and Jeff Mach. David Hash provided constant advocacy and project management at ARC. 

Other contributors include thermal performance community principal investigators and analysts. 
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4.0 Executive Summary 

Historically, thermal performance testing and analyses have been carried out by a number of test 

facilities dispersed across the country. As a result, test results and data products have been 

dispersed in location and even dispersed among individuals at a given location. This situation 

has led to a challenge within the thermal performance community to locate and utilize thermal 

performance data, both to better inform and enable test planning and to provide key supporting 

data for technical decision makers. From this circumstance was born the realization of the need 

for a thermal performance database and central repository for the thermal performance 

community. 

Initiated as a NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) assessment in 2009, the Thermal 

Performance Database (TPDB) was a response to the need for a centralized thermal performance 

data archive. The assessment was renamed Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) in 

2012; the undertaking has had two fronts of activity: the development of a repository software 

application and the collection of historical thermal performance data sets from dispersed sources 

within the thermal performance community. The software application is a data processing and 

archiving engine supported by a Web-based user interface and has undergone a number of 

development cycles (software builds) since the initiation of the project. An initial operational 

build has been delivered to the TPDS operations team for an initial deployment to a limited user 

community at the Ames Research Center (ARC) Arc Jet Complex (AJC). Historical data 

collection efforts have focused primarily on the collection of data sets from the Constellation 

Program Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) project (now the Multiple-Purpose Crew Vehicle 

Program) and the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) project, including data sets from ARC, the 

Johnson Space Center (JSC) Atmospheric Reentry Materials and Structures Evaluation Facility 

(ARMSEF), and the Arnold Engineering Development Center. A nearly complete collection for 

those two thermal performance test campaigns is archived, although only partially ingested into 

the tool. 

The software application has a number of features designed for easy data ingestion and retrieval 

and application system administration. These features include a data browser, a test package 

upload interface, data product viewing pages, and a shopping cart and test data download tool. 

Administrative features include data administration, allowing an administrator to list, modify, 

and delete data within the system, and comprehensive security tools to implement user access 

control and secure data type designations. 

Historical data collection efforts have been focused on CEV and MSL data sets and include data 

packages from the ARC AJC test facility and associated data packages from test principal 

investigators (PIs). Data sets have been collected, and the majority await ingestion into TPDS 

following initial deployment and data format modifications. 

Among the significant findings identified by the TPDS team during development are the widely 

varying data formats among historical data sets, which made the software design challenging. 

Because of this, focus of the development effort was narrowed to only those data sets from the 

ARC AJC as a starting point for TPDS implementation. From this, it was concluded that 
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establishing data format standards and specifications for future testing is important, and much of 

the final efforts were directed at this aim. Another significant finding is the importance of 

involving the thermal performance community in the design of TPDS; this was successfully 

executed, particularly during the final year of the project. 

This assessment has delivered a foundational tool on which additional features should be built to 

increase efficiency, expand the protection of critical Agency investments, and provide new 

discipline-advancing work opportunities. The ARC-specific application should be extended to 

the ARMSEF, and a concerted effort to expand the user base in the entry community should be 

undertaken. Additionally, a focused historical data collection, curation, and ingestion campaign 

should be funded to better leverage the existing tool, achieve the full intent of the initial 

proposal, and protect against the loss of critical Agency investments. Finally, the scope of TPDS 

should be expanded beyond arc jet testing to include radiant thermal testing and other material 

properties testing critical to thermal performance material and system development. 

Future development is now underway, with significant involvement of the thermal performance 

community, managed and supported directly by the ARC AJC. 
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5.0 Assessment Plan 

The original assessment plan, approved on November 19, 2009, was to deliver an operational 

database by the end of fiscal year 2011, accessible to all participating NASA Centers and 

industry partners with proper security and permissions, operated and maintained at both the ARC 

AJC and the JSC ARMSEF. The second major task was the collection, reformatting, and input 

of historical data (priority to the CEV Thermal Protection System (TPS) project and MSL data 

sets, proceeding to other projects at level of effort). 

Two primary alterations of the original assessment plan were implemented. 

The first was a continual reshaping of the scope of the software functions and capabilities to stay 

within the allocated resources. The initial software requirements were to: 

 Collect and store data related to thermal performance (e.g., arc jet, radiant, solar, laser) 

testing, including test results, calibration records, test article configurations, facility 

operating parameters, and analysis results. 

 Accept data from test facilities, test engineers, test PIs, thermal analysts, and 

computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysts. 

 Search for and report on holdings based on user-specified criteria. 

 Extract specified data for general analysis purposes such as thermal analysis, CFD, data 

traceability, and margins assessment. 

Significant systems engineering was completed to architect and better develop the requirements 

to deliver on these high-level goals. An architecture was laid out and development begun to 

achieve all of the requirements. However, to field a tool within the schedule and resources 

provided, the scope of the first operational system was scaled back to serve the primary test 

facility and test data archiving needs. As a result, most of the downstream analysis activities, 

including CFD and thermal analysis, were not implemented as features of the current database. 

The second major alteration was the focus on historical data collection. The estimate for 

planning and resources to collect, curate, and archive the Agency’s thermal performance test 

results was seriously underestimated. The decision was made to focus on the two most relevant 

(and recent) programs for the Agency’s near- and mid-term priorities and limit the data ingestion 

to the MSL and CEV test campaigns. Furthermore, while significant data were collected and 

stored, only a subset of the data, in particular from the heater columns that continue to produce 

the most data, was formally added to the database. 

While many elements of the vision for thermal performance data management were not 

achieved, the assessment laid a strong foundation for continued progress toward that vision and, 

more importantly, resulted in an operational tool that is actively protecting the Agency’s critical 

investments, increasing the efficiency of the test operations, and supporting discipline-advancing 

work, which were the underlying goals of the assessment. 
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6.0 Problem Description and Background 

The motivation for this assessment stemmed from the lack of a central database for thermal 

performance test results and analyses from previous and current flight projects requiring TPS 

development. Loss of significant NASA investments in thermal performance materials testing 

were risked due to the lack of a central repository for data generated from test and analysis 

activities at test facilities dispersed around the country. Thermal performance data sets are key 

to maintaining and advancing TPSs for NASA’s current and future space exploration strategies. 

Data sets classified in this category include data sets that reach back to the beginning of the 

space age, given the unique nature of thermal protection technology development. 

As a solution to dispersed and unarchived data sets, the concept of the TPDS was created to 

provide a centralized repository for thermal performance data. The scope of the repository was 

envisioned to include all data sets from current and past thermal performance testing, with a 

focused historical data collection program to gather data sets from past Programs, projects, and 

test campaigns. Additionally, the database was to become an integral element in future testing, 

serving as a tool for test planning, test data processing and delivery, test data archiving, and 

associated test analyses collection. Furthermore, the critical analysis tasks that follow thermal 

performance testing were to be critical elements of the database. After a given test, the heating 

environment is often simulated using CFD, which feeds inputs into thermal analysis to simulate 

the material response to aeroheating. Analysts retrieve the critical inputs from the database and 

then upload the results to form the metadata for follow-on analysis. Understanding the analytic 

and test processes that can empower decision makers to better direct material and TPS 

technology development was a focus of the early development. 

The initial scope of the development of the database was limited to focus on the needs and uses 

of the ARC AJC. This served as a good initial scope for the development of the database, and 

most of the project achievements documented in this report focus on the initial version of the 

database. 

6.1 Requirements Definition 

At the beginning of the TPDS assessment, an extensive set of 106 requirements was generated to 

provide the technical specification for the database. Spanning data handling, data retrieval, 

security/user access, and administrative functions, the requirements were used to assess tool 

options for the database and led to the selection of the object-oriented data technology (OODT) 

platform as the foundation for TPDS. The OODT software was developed by the Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory (JPL) and subsequently released into the open-source community. 

The initial version of the database that was delivered after a 3-year assessment period met 

58 percent of the initial 106 requirements. Given the reduction in scope that the project 

underwent over the course of its life, this is considered a successful implementation. 

Requirements specifying search/query functionality, data display functionality, and mathematical 

post-processing of data were deferred to later development efforts. This is the result of a 
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carefully considered reduction in scope that occurred as the details of the development were 

better understood with time. 

6.2 System Design and Development Activities 

The power, utility, and promise of the TPDS system stems from centralizing present and past 

thermal performance data sets. This presented the greatest challenge in designing and 

developing TPDS. The wide range of data sources dispersed in time and location necessitates a 

system that is able to handle widely varying data formats. The original intent for the system was 

a highly flexible, intelligent data-handling service. However, as the project progressed, 

developing a highly flexible system capable of handling widely varying and sometimes 

undefined data formats presented a development challenge not sufficiently bounded to 

successfully move toward an initial robust system. Therefore, a concerted effort was made, with 

the aid of the stakeholders, to standardize the data formats for data products expected for the 

TPDS initial deployment. This is addressed in Section 6.3. 

Other development activities included: 

 Conduct meetings with ARC AJC test engineers to document and understand test facility 

processes and data flow. 

 Develop a comprehensive data model to capture the expected data products and metadata. 

 Develop the TPDS system architecture to provide a robust system with the flexibility to 

evolve with TPDS future development. 

 Conduct a security summit to document stakeholder security needs from the thermal 

performance community. 

 Conduct periodic system tests to receive stakeholder inputs during interaction with the 

database. 

6.3 Establishing Data Format Control 

As a basis for a robust system, a significant effort was undertaken in conjunction with the ARC 

AJC test facility personnel to standardize data formats for test facility data packages, which were 

the primary data set for the initial deployment of the database. Interface control documents 

(ICDs) were developed for two data sets: the Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) [ref. 1] and the 

Aerodynamic Heating Facility (AHF) [ref. 2]. These documents are shown in Figure 6.3-1. The 

documents provided guidance to software developers in the implementation of the system design 

and established the basis for future ICDs as the breadth of data that can be handled by the 

database continues to expand. 
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Figure 6.3-1. TPDS ICDs 

6.4 Hardware Architecture 

The TPDS hardware is hosted in a data center at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) 

Center at ARC. The data server hardware layout is shown in Figure 6.4-1 and consists of: 

 A TPDS production server consisting of two Intel® Xeon® X5670 2.93 GHz processors, 

36 GB of DDR3 RAM, and 16 TB of disk storage running CentOS 5.6. 

 A TPDS development server consisting of two Intel® Xeon® X5670 2.93 GHz 

processors, 18 GB of DDR3 RAM, and 8 TB of disk storage running CentOS 5.6. 

 Complete data backup provided by the NAS facility. 

 
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Figure 6.4-1. TPDS Hardware Layout 

The servers and associated disk storage were sized to provide enough computing power and data 

capacity for at least the first 5 years of operational service. Because data storage backup is 

provided by the NAS facility, no additional TPDS hardware was required. The system is 

firewalled behind the NAS network. External access, which is discussed in more detail in later 

sections of this report, is granted through the NASA Account Manager System (NAMS). 

6.5 Software Architecture 

The TPDS software architectural design must function to achieve data crawling, data extraction, 

data recognition, and data archiving, with an easy-to-use Web interface. To achieve these goals, 

the software is architected as shown in Figure 6.5-1. This architecture provides robustness and 

security while allowing flexibility to evolve over time as the database matures. NASA AdvancedSupercompu ngNetwork

Internet

TPDSProduc onServer

tpdb-pro.nas.nasa.gov

TPDSDevelopmentServer

tpdb-dev.nas.nasa.gov

NASdatabackupservices
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Figure 6.5-1. TPDS Software Architecture 

At the front end of the architecture are the data extractors that transform tabular metadata and 

binary artifacts, such as images and videos, into extensible markup language records describing 

test run number, condition, insertion instruments used, and linkages between artifacts. The 

extractor is a pure JavaTM standalone application. 

Much of the middle and backend of TPDS is founded on OODT. Following the action of the 

extractor, data products are crawled and organized by the TPDB crawler, which is an 

implementation using the OODT crawler framework. The crawler implements the IHF and AHF 

ICD rules on data packaging and naming, invokes built-in or external metadata extractors, and 

submits data files to the OODT file manager for archive. The TPDB-browse element is the 

middleware of the system and is the brains of the TPDS system for security, metadata capturing 

and coordination, significant event trapping, and file downloads. The middleware is 

implemented with the open-source Grails Web framework, which is built with the open-source 

Groovy dynamic scripting language that runs on the JavaTM virtual machine. Grails provides the 

industry standard model-view-control architecture. Model is the business logic integrated with a 

backend relational database. Control handles all user requests and Web-service interfaces. 

View implements the Web user interface. The TPDB-browse middleware communicates with 

Oracle® MySQLTM, a relational database management system to manage the organization of the 

data within TPDS. 

A data model of the IHF/AHF data sets was completed (shown in Appendix A). The ARC AJC 

test facilities (IHF/AHF) deliver data as a test series. Each test series is a multi-gigabyte artifact. 

A test series contains multiple test runs. A test run contains multiple test conditions. A test 

condition contains multiple insertions. There are media artifacts, such as videos and photos, for 
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test series and test runs. The TDPS system is designed to intelligently link artifacts to the test 

series/run/condition/insertion by detecting file naming conventions, physical location of the 

artifact (i.e., the folder where it was found), and metadata within the data files (see Figure 6.5-2). 

Figure 6.5-2. Top-Level Facility Artifacts Schema 

6.5.1 Test Series Schema 

The test series provides a top-level grouping of a collection of data artifacts. There are also 

media and engineering artifacts (see Figure 6.5-3). Data artifacts can be registered to a test series 

in any random order, which makes TPDS a dynamic data system. 

Figure 6.5-3. Test Series Schema 

Series Run Condition

1..n 1..n

Insertion

1..n

seriesId: serial

facilityId: integer

seriesNumber: integer

projectId: integer

title: string

secureId: integer

principalInvestigator: string

testEngineerId: integer

submitter: integer

receivedAt: datetime

lastUpdatedBy: string

createdAt: datetime

updatedAt: datetime

description: string

Series Facility

Project

Secure Data Type

<<facilityId>>

<<projectId>>

<<secureId>>

photoId: serial

fileId: integer

seriesId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

captureTime: datetime

Series Photo videoId: serial

fileId: integer

seriesId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

duration: integer

resolution: string

captureTime: datetime

Series Video

OODT

File Manager

<<fileLocation>>

<<<thumbnailLocation>>

filedId: serial

seriesId: integer

fileType: string

fileUUID: string

fileLocation: URL

fileSize: Long

thumbnailLocation: URL

description: string

Series Data File

<<seriesId>>

* File Type Constraints

:Series Test Conditions

:Series Igor Macros

:Series Setup Photo

:Series Setup Photo Thumbnail

:Series Photo

:Series Photo Thumbnail

:Series Video

:Series Video Thumbnail

:Series Ancillary

:Series Summary

:Series Data Package

:Series Photo View

:Series Setup Photo Package

:Series Photo Package

<<fileId>> <<fileId>>

1..2

<<seriesId>> <<seriesId>>

* *

Agency User

<<testEngineerId: auId>>

<<submitter: auId>>
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6.5.2 Test Run Schema 

There are one or more test runs for a given test series. Like a test series, a test run contains 

media and engineering artifacts (see Figure 6.5-4). The artifacts can be registered to a test run in 

any random order. This makes the system flexible and allows for future post-ingestion 

registration of additional artifacts. 

Figure 6.5-4. Test Run Schema 

6.5.3 Test Condition and Insertion Schema 

Each test run can contain one or more test conditions, and each test condition can contain one or 

more insertions (see Figure 6.5-5). 

runId: serial

seriesId: integer

runNumber: integer

runDate: datetime

nozzleSize: integer

throatDiameter: float

addAirInstalled: bool

addAirMethod: string

description: string

Run

Series

photoId: serial

fileId: integer

runId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

captureTime: datetime

Run Photo

videoId: serial

fileId: integer

runId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

camera: string

duration: integer

resolution: string

captureTime: datetime

Run Video

OODT

File Manager

fileId: serial

runId: integer

fileType: string

fileUUID: string

fileLocation: URL

fileSize: Long

thumbnailLocation: URL

description: string

Run Data File

File Type Constraints

:Run Sheet

:Run DAS Hookup

:Run DAS Millivolts

:Run_Photo_Frame_Grab

:Run Setup Photo

:Run Setup Photo Thumbnail

:Run Photo

:Run Photo Thumbnail

:Run Video

:Run Video Thumbnail

:Run IR Video

:Run IR Line Profile

:Run IR Temperature Profile

:Run Igor

:Run Igor Readme

:Run EU

:Run Ancillary

<<runId>>

*

<<fileLocation>>

<<thumbnailLocation>>

<<fileId>>

<<fileId>>

1..2

<<runId>>

<<runId>>

*

*

<<seriesId>>

1..n
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Figure 6.5-5. Test Condition and Insertion Schema 

6.5.4 Security Schema 

Security is important for the TPDS because the system contains International Traffic in Arms 

Regulation (ITAR) data and supports multiple project artifacts. The system must also provide 

administrative tools for the TPDS administrator to manage users of the system. The schema 

below provides a flexible linking between artifacts, access roles, and users (see Figure 6.5-6). 

TPDS is designed to use NASA IdMAX authentication service, which provides secure access 

and communication to TPDS. A more detailed security presentation presented at a security 

meeting with the TPDS application community is presented in Appendix B. 

conditionId: serial

runId: integer

conditionNumber: string

testGas: string

arcCurrent: float

arcVoltage: float

busVoltage: float

arcHeatPressure: float

mainAir: float

addAir float

argon: float

sonicFlowEnthalpy: float

enthalpyByEnergyBalance: float

Condition

calorimeterId: serial

serialNumber: string

insertionId: integer

calorimeterType: string

shape: string

size: float

Calorimeter

insertionId: serial

conditionId: string

stingArm: string

startTime: datatime

endTime: datatime

distance: float

model: string

Insertion

1..n

1..n

Run photoId: serial

fileId: integer

insertionId: integer

Height: integer

Width: integer

captureTime: datetime

Insertion Photo

videoId: serial

fileId: integer

insertionId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

camera: string

duration: integer

resolution: string

catpureTime: datetime

Insertion Video

OODT

File Manager

fileId: serial

insertionId: integer

fileType: string

fileUUID: string

fileLocation: URL

fileSize: Long

description: string

thumbnailLocation: URL

Insertion Data File

*

*

*

<<runId>>

<<insertionId>>

<<insertionId>>

<<insertionId>>

<<fileId>>

<<fileId>>

<<fileLocation>>

<<thumbnailLocation>>

1..2

<<conditionId>> File Type Constraints

:Insertion Photo

:Insertion Video

:Insertion Ancillary

0..1

<<insertionId>>

modelId: serial

modelName: string

insertionId: integer

modelMaterial: string

shape: string

size: float

Model

0..1

idxn:integer

insertionId: integer

duration: double

Duration

0..n

conditionId: integer

insertionId: integer

heatFlux: double

stagnationPressure: double

maxProbeTemp: double

centerlineEnthalpy: double

InsertionCalibrationProbe

0..n

<<insertionId>>

0..n

<<calorimeterId>>
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Figure 6.5-6. Security Schema 

7.0 Testing and Development 

A regular process of software development and testing was used throughout the life cycle of the 

TPDS project. Table 7.0-1 lists the major builds and the dates they were completed and provides 

a brief description of the builds. For each of the builds, an internal quality assurance (QA) test 

program was used at the completion of the builds to confirm functionality and identify and 

resolve any bugs in the system. 

roleId: serial

name: string

capabilities: integer

Access Role

sdtrId: serial

sdtId: integer

roleId: integer

Secure Data Type Role

sdtId: serial

name: string

description: string

Secure Data Type

auId: string

contactId: integer

secureCapabilities: string

Agency User

auId: string

roleId: integer

Agency User Role

Access Role

Provides abstraction for access groups

Example groups

CEVRead

CEVFacility

Capabilities attribute is a bit-oriented mask value 

NO_CAPABILITY = 0

READ = 1

GET = 2

CREATE = 4

UPDATE = 8

UPLOAD = 16

DELETE = 32

Secure Data Type

Core representation of secure data product type. 

Agency User

User will be authenticated by NASA IDMax. This class 

defines any special user privileges. Privileges set 

here will override all data product access capabilities. 

If no special privilege given, then each access will be 

evaluated according to the user + data product 

access role relation

Special User Privileges Constants

NO_CAPABILITY = 0

READ_ALL = 1

WRITE_ALL = 2

ADMIN = 3

Secure Data Type Role

The join between Access Role and Data Product to 

define many-to-many relation to define associate 

access roles to each data product

Agency User Role

The join between Access Role and Agency User to 

define many-to-many relation to define access roles 

for each user

* *

*

*

<<roleId>> <<roleId>>

<<sdtId>> <<auId>>

Contact

<<contactId>>
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Table 7.0-1. TPDS Build History 

Build Number Date Description 

0.0 March 2011 

An initial prototype build custom-designed for the needs of 

the 4th Air Force (AF)/Sandia National Laboratories 

(SNL)/NASA Ablation Workshop. 

1.0 June 2011 First prototype build with metadata extractors and data 

archiving. 

1.1 August 2011 

A prototype build with metadata extractors, data archiving, 

and user interface. Build 1.1 was used in System Test 1 

(ST1), the first software development test with user 

community. 

2.0 March 2012 

Lessons learned from ST1 were fed into Build 2.0, 

resulting in significant improvements in system robustness 

and user interface usability. Build 2.0 was used in the 

System Test 2 (ST2). 

3.0 May 2012 

Results from ST2 fed into the final build, Build 3.0. In 

addition to IHF, Build 3.0 added capability to handle data 

from the ARC AHF facility. Build 3.0 was delivered to 

ARC on May 22, 2012, for eventual operational 

deployment. 

For the later software builds, in addition to QA testing, ST1 and ST2 were conducted on site at 

the ARC AJC to exercise the database with key stakeholders to further identify programming 

bugs, receive user feedback, and ensure the system was being developed to meet the needs of the 

thermal performance community. Figure 7.0-1 shows a TPDS test conductor aiding a PI test 

subject during ST1. The results of ST2 aided in generating the final build, Build 3.0. Build 3.0 

was delivered to the Human-Computer Interface (HCI) team at ARC in May 2012, and 

responsibility for TPDS operations and continued development was transferred from JPL to ARC 

personnel in June 2012. The ARC HCI team built a strong relationship with the AJC team 

during the JPL-led development. Not only did they take on the operational management and 

maintenance of TPDS but also continued the final development of Build 3.0. Build 3.0 was 

deployed for use by the test facility in March 2013. 
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Figure 7.0-1. ST1 PI Exercising TPDS 

7.1 Applications Feature 

The following sections highlight some of the TPDS main features. 

7.1.1 Entry Page 

Visitors to the TPDS are routed through NASA’s IdMAX authentication process. Access is 

granted only to approved users. Once authenticated, users are taken to the TPDS entry page 

shown in Figure 7.1-1. The entry page contains links to the data browser via the Browse link and 

to the administration features via the Admin link. 
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Figure 7.1-1. TPDS Entry Page 

7.1.2 Browse Page 

The browse page is the central feature of TPDS. It provides access to test facility data sets by 

test facility or project. The data can be sorted by project, test series, test run, facility, contact, 

instruments, test conditions, and run sheets. The data product listing, shown in Figure 7.1-2, can 

be used to drill down into a test series data package to access specific data products within a test 

series, including test plans, data files, test photos, and test videos. 
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Figure 7.1-2. TPDS Browse Page 

7.1.3 Test Series and Test Run Page 

Accessed through the browse page or the administration page (discussed later), a test series page 

contains detailed attributes of the test series, such as project, PI, and test engineer, and links to 

test series photos, data files, and test runs. The test-run links allow access to test-run pages that 

contain detailed attributes of a test run, such as test series, run number, run date, and nozzle size, 

as well as links to each test condition, run photos, and run videos. A sample test series page, 

with links to test runs expanded, is shown in Figure 7.1-3. 
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Figure 7.1-3. Show Test Series Page 

7.1.4 Shopping Cart Feature 

For ease of selecting and downloading data products, TPDS has a shopping cart feature that can 

be loaded with data products by a user (see Figure 7.1-4). When the user is finished browsing or 

searching the database, the user can “check out” and download the contents of the shopping cart. 

If there is more than one item in the shopping cart, the items are packaged in a zip archive, and 

an email message with a download link is sent to the user when the package is ready. 
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Figure 7.1-4. TPDS Shopping Cart Feature for Data Product Download 

7.1.5 Test Package Upload 

Test series data packages are uploaded following the completion of a test series test report, either 

by a test engineer or by a qualified intern assistant. Figure 7.1-5 shows the data package upload 

interface. 
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Figure 7.1-5. Data Package Upload Interface 

7.1.6 Administrative Features 

The TPDS has an administrative page, as shown in Figure 7.1-6. Only users with administrator 

privileges can access the administrative page; the administrative page provides links to the tools 

required by a TPDS system administrator. From the administrative page, an administrator can 

create new facilities, projects, users, custom user roles, and secure data types. The administrator 

can list users, access roles, and secure data types. Also provided are product administration tools 

to allow the administrator to list all classes of data products and edit or modify these as needed. 

The administrative tools allow the administrator to execute the security system presented in the 

next section. 
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Figure 7.1-6. TPDS Administration Page 

7.2 System Security 

The TPDB hardware is physically secured in the access-controlled NAS facility at ARC, which 

is physically maintained and monitored by the facility. All system hardware administrative 

services are provided by the facility. 

User access control is accomplished via the NAMS. Any potential user of TPDS must first 

obtain a NASA Agency account and then request TPDS access via NAMS, as shown in 

Figure 7.2-1. Once the request is in the NAMS system, a project point of contact (POC) 

representing the project whose data will be accessed must authorize the establishment of the 

account. Once authorized, the TPDS administrator will set up the initial account. Following the 

establishment of the account, the project POC can use administrative privileges to modify data 

access for the role of the new user. 
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Figure 7.2-1. TPDS Account Request Process 

The TPDS administrative tools allow the designation of secure data types for all data within the 

database. The TPDS administrator and project POC can create custom data types and designate 

user roles that have access to that data type. This implementation allows the database to contain 

data products from multiple projects, institutions, and companies, while controlling access to 

data sets based on user project affiliation and role within the project. Figure 7.2-2 shows the 

secure data type listing page. Figure 7.2-3 shows TPDS data types that have global access and 

restricted access, with restricted access being set by project affiliation and user role. While 

browsing data within the database, users can see only the data to which they have access. There 

is no ability for a user to see other data products that exist within the database outside the data 

that are accessible to that user. 
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Figure 7.2-2. Secure Data Type Listing 
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Figure 7.2-3. TPDS Global and Restricted Data Types 

Strict compliance to restrictions on foreign national access to ITAR-restricted data is also 

achieved through the use of secure data type designations. TPDS users designated as foreign 

• Test Data - Facility Data 

– Test Condition Metadata 

• Product Types: Metadata 

• Access: Global 

– Test Condition Data Products 

• Product Types: Data files 

• Access Global 

– Test Data 

• Product Types: Metadata & Data Files 

• Access: Restricted 

• Test Data – Non-Facility 

– PI Data 

• Product Types: Metadata & Data Files 

• Access: Restricted 

-Facility Name -Nozzle Size -Throat Diameter -Heat Flux 

-Stagnation Press. -Arc Current -Arc Voltage -Arc Heater Pressure 

-Mass Flow Rates 

-Calorimeter Run Data -Arc Jet Condition Run Data -Calorimeter Traveler 

-Test Article Material -Test Article Geometry -Test Article TC Data -Test Article IR Data 

-Test Article Pyro Data -Test Photos -Test Videos -Test Run Sheets 

-DAS Config. Data 

-Test Plan -PI Analyses -Final Test Report 

Global

Global

Restricted

Restricted

– Analysts Data 

• Product Types: Metadata and Data Files 

• Access: Restricted 

• Sensor Lab Data 

– Sensor Data 

• Product Types: Metadata and Data Files 

• Access: Restricted 

• TPDB Administration 

– TPDB System Data 

• Product Types: Metadata 

• Access: Restricted 

-FIAT Analyses -CFD Analyses -Other Analyses 

Restricted

-Instrument Name -Instrument Serial Number -Instrument Op. Range -Calibration Date 

-Instrument Geometry -Calibration Sheet 

Restricted

-User Accounts -User Privileges 

Restricted
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national users will have an ITAR access data mask applied to their privileges. TPDS will work 

with the ARC Entry Systems and Technology Division management to identify ITAR-sensitive 

data products; foreign nationals will not be able to access these data products based on the 

ITAR-tagged secure data type designation. 

The initial deployment of TPDS will be available to a limited user set within the ARC AJC test 

facility, requiring a limited implementation of the security system. However, Build 3.0 contains 

all of the necessary features to implement a full security system for a broad user community, 

including the implementation of ITAR access restrictions. 

7.3 Operational Status 

TPDS Build 3.0 was delivered to ARC on May 22, 2012, and was deployed on the TPDS 

development server for assessment by the ARC HCI team, which has assumed ownership of the 

database and now has responsibility for quality control. The ARC HCI team completed a 

technical assessment of the delivered database as part of the responsibility handoff. Building on 

their experience with database and human-system interaction development and having developed 

a working relationship with the AJC team, the ARC HCI team picked up the development and 

completed the operational database. The operational deployment of TPDS for only the ARC 

AJC test personnel was completed in March 2013. 

7.4 Interaction with the Thermal Performance Community 

The TPDS team interacted with the thermal performance community throughout the life cycle of 

the assessment. Interactions with the thermal performance community were critical to the 

success of the development of the database and key to providing a tool that is useful and that 

facilitates the processes employed by the community. Interactions took the following forms: 

 Meetings and consultations with the test facility staff and PIs at the ARC AJC test 

facility, to understand test facility processes and needs. 

 ST1 and ST2, to provide an opportunity for the thermal performance community to 

interact with development versions of the database and provide input on its function and 

form. The briefing package for ST2 is included as Appendix C. 

 A security summit with the ARC thermal performance community to provide an 

overview of the security implementation plan and receive inputs on how the plan should 

be tailored to community member needs. 

 A TPDS poster at the International Planetary Probe Workshop 7 in 2010, to reach out and 

interact with the international planetary exploration community. 

 A TPDS presentation, poster, and custom implementation of the database at the 

4th AF/SNL/NASA Ablation Workshop, in 2011, to inform the thermal performance 

community regarding the potential of the database. 

 A TPDS poster at the International Planetary Probe Workshop 9, in 2012, to reach out to 

and update the international planetary exploration community on TPDS progress. 
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7.5 Transfer of System to Sponsor 

During the course of this assessment, an agreement was reached with the HCI team at ARC to 

take responsibility for TPDS operations, maintenance, and long-term development. To aid in a 

seamless handoff, the HCI team began working with the TPDS team a year before the planned 

transfer, allowing the HCI team to become educated on the system architecture, technical 

implementation, and customer processes prior to the transfer of responsibility. The TPDS 

system was transferred to the HCI team on May 22, 2012, allowing approximately 1 month of 

overlapping responsibility with the TPDS development team. The HCI team formally took full 

responsibility for TPDS on June 28, 2012, which concluded the development efforts of the 

NESC-funded TPDS development team. The HCI is continuing development under ARC AJC 

funding and direction. 

8.0 Findings, Observations, and NESC Recommendations 

8.1 Findings 

The following findings were identified by the TPDS team based on their experience with this 

task: 

F-1. Existing thermal performance data sets are widely dispersed at test facilities; with PIs at 

NASA, private industry, and universities; and with data analysts, making them a 

challenge to collect. 

F-2. Historical data sets vary in format, and as such it is difficult to design a robust, reliable 

system that can interpret and ingest varying or unknown formats. 

F-3. Standardization of data packaging and data formats is key to establishing a bounded, 

tractable development challenge. 

F-4. Older historical data sets will require significant manual reformatting to prepare them for 

ingestion into TPDS. 

F-5. Integration of customers into the development process is important to developing a 

system with high value and utility for the target user community. 

F-6. A foundational TPDS tool has been developed based on a subset of MSL and CEV data. 

The existing Agency reservoir for such data is quite large, and the utility of the tool relies 

on the continued integration of these data in the TPDS. 

 
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8.2 Observations 

The TPDS team noted the following observations that could have an impact on future archival 

initiatives: 

O-1. There is a clear need for a central data repository for the thermal performance 

community, and the initial implementation of the TPDS illustrates the promise and utility 

of such a system. 

O-2. Customer enthusiasm grows with capability and maturity of the system, and it is 

important to foster this enthusiasm to maintain project momentum. 

8.3 NESC Recommendations 

The following NESC recommendations were identified: 

R-1. Continue the historical data collection efforts begun during the initial years of the TPDS 

project, emphasizing data sets outside the ARC AJC, before these data are lost. (F-1)

R-2. As the TPDS system matures, continue to work the standardization of data packaging and 

formatting, and expand the data sets to include radiant thermal testing. (F-2, F-3)

R-3. A focused historical data collection, curation, and ingestion campaign should be funded 

to better leverage the existing tool, achieve the full intent of the initial proposal, and 

protect against the loss of critical Agency investments. (F-4, F-6)

R-4. In future development work, provide greater integration of TPDS development with ARC 

AJC test facility process development and ongoing test facility upgrade planning. (F-5)

R-5. Extend TPDS capabilities to include CFD support tools, in particular to augment test data 

sets with analytically anchored flow properties such as enthalpy and composition. (F-5)

R-6. Extend TPDS capabilities to include material thermal modeling support tools, in 

particular for augmenting test data sets with analytic predictions of bond line temperature 

and material response for eventual efficient comparison with test results. (F-5)

R-7. The scope of the TPDS should be expanded beyond arc jet testing to include radiant 

thermal testing and other material properties testing critical to thermal protection material 

and system development. (F-6)

R-8. The TPDS should be marketed to the thermal performance community to increase the 

user base and encourage additional developments, particularly integration into the 

ARMSEF data management processes. (F-6)
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9.0 Alternate Viewpoint 

There were no alternate viewpoints identified during the course of this assessment by the NESC 

team or the NRB quorum. 

10.0 Other Deliverables 

No unique hardware, software, or data packages, outside those contained in this report, were 

disseminated to other parties outside this assessment. 

11.0 Lessons Learned 

No applicable lessons learned were identified for entry into the NASA Lessons Learned 

Information System (LLIS) as a result of this assessment. 

12.0 Recommendations for NASA Standards and Specifications 

No recommendations for NASA standards and specifications were identified as a result of this 

assessment. 

13.0 Definition of Terms 

Corrective Actions Changes to design processes, work instructions, workmanship practices, 

training, inspections, tests, procedures, specifications, drawings, tools, 

equipment, facilities, resources, or material that result in preventing, 

minimizing, or limiting the potential for recurrence of a problem. 

Finding A relevant factual conclusion and/or issue that is within the assessment 

scope and that the team has rigorously based on data from their 

independent analyses, tests, inspections, and/or reviews of technical 

documentation. 

Lessons Learned Knowledge, understanding, or conclusive insight gained by experience 

that may benefit other current or future NASA programs and projects. 

The experience may be positive, as in a successful test or mission, or 

negative, as in a mishap or failure. 

Observation A noteworthy fact, issue, and/or risk, which may not be directly within the 

assessment scope, but could generate a separate issue or concern if not 

addressed. Alternatively, an observation can be a positive 

acknowledgement of a Center/Program/Project/Organization’s operational 

structure, tools, and/or support provided. 

Problem The subject of the independent technical assessment. 

Proximate Cause The event(s) that occurred, including any condition(s) that existed 

immediately before the undesired outcome, directly resulted in its 
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occurrence and, if eliminated or modified, would have prevented the 

undesired outcome. 

Recommendation A proposed measurable stakeholder action directly supported by specific 

Finding(s) and/or Observation(s) that will correct or mitigate an identified 

issue or risk. 

Root Cause One of multiple factors (events, conditions, or organizational factors) that 

contributed to or created the proximate cause and subsequent undesired 

outcome and, if eliminated or modified, would have prevented the 

undesired outcome. Typically, multiple root causes contribute to an 

undesired outcome. 

Supporting Narrative A paragraph, or section, in an NESC final report that provides the detailed 

explanation of a succinctly worded finding or observation. For example, 

the logical deduction that led to a finding or observation; descriptions of 

assumptions, exceptions, clarifications, and boundary conditions. Avoid 

squeezing all of this information into a finding or observation 

14.0 Acronyms List 

AF Air Force 

AHF Aerodynamic Heating Facility 

AJC Arc Jet Complex 

ARC Ames Research Center 

ARMSEF Atmospheric Reentry Materials and Structures Evaluation Facility 

CEV Crew Exploration Vehicle 

CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics 

HCI Human Computer Interface 

ICD Interface Control Documents 

IHF Interaction Heating Facility 

ITAR International Traffic in Arms Regulation 

JPL Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

JSC Johnson Space Center 

LaRC Langley Research Center 

MSL Mars Science Laboratory 

NAMS NASA Account Manager System 

NAS NASA Advanced Supercomputing 

NESC NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

NRB NESC Review Board 

OODT Object-oriented Data Technology 

PI Principal Investigator 

POC Point of Contact 

QA Quality Assurance 
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

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Version: 

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SNL Sandia National Laboratories 

ST1 System Test 1 

ST2 System Test 2 

TPDB Thermal Performance Database 

TPDS Thermal Performance Data Services 

TPS Thermal Protection System 

15.0 References 

1. Grover, M., “Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

Interface Control Document (ICD),” National Aeronautics and Space Administration Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory IHF-TPDB ICD, April 5, 2012. 

2. Grover, M., “Aerodynamic Heating Facility (AHF) Thermal Performance Data Services 

(TPDS) Interface Control Document (ICD),” National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory AHF-TPDB ICD, April 6, 2012. 

16.0 Appendices 

Appendix A. TPDS Build 3.0 Data Model 

Appendix B. Security Summit Briefing 

Appendix C. Build 2.0 Briefing Package for System Test 2 
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

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Appendix A. TPDS Build 3.0 Data Model 

Facility

Artifacts Sensor Lab

Ancillary

TPDS High-Level Data Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

Security

OODT

File Manager
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

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TPDS Ancillary Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

projectId: serial

shortName: string

fullName: string

pointOfContact: integer

publicView:boolean

secureId: integer

description: string

Project facilityId: serial

shortName: string

secureId: integer

fullName: string

address: string

phone: string

fax: string

description: string

Facility

contactId: serial

firstName: string

middleName: string

lastName: string

email: string

phone: string

fax: string

address: string

description: string

Contact

<<pointOfContact:contactId>>

Secure Data Type

<<secureId>>

<<secureId>>
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TPDS Sensor Lab Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

inId: serial

secureId: integer

serialNumber: string

created: datetime

instrumentType: string

min: float

max: float

rangeUnit: string

calorimeterType: string

calorimeterShape: string

calorimeterSize: double

calorimeterSize Unit: string

description: string

Instrument

Secure Data Type

<<secureId>> fileId: serial

cId: integer

serialNumber: string

fileType: string

fileUUID: string

fileLocation: URL

fileSize: Long

previewLocation: URL

Calibration Data File

OODT

File Manager

<<cId>>

<<fileLocation>>

<<previewLocation>>

File Type Constraints

:Calibration Sheet

1..2

serialNumber: serial

inId: integer

created: datetime

calibrationDate: datetime

calibrationNextDue: datetime

servicingOrganization: string

Calibration

<<inId>>

1..n
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TPDS Security Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

roleId: serial

name: string

capabilities: integer

Access Role

sdtrId: serial

sdtId: integer

roleId: integer

Secure Data Type Role

sdtId: serial

name: string

description: string

Secure Data Type

auId: string

contactId: integer

secureCapabilities: string

Agency User

auId: string

roleId: integer

Agency User Role

Access Role

Provides abstraction for access groups

Example groups

CEVRead

CEVFacility

Capabilities attribute is a bit-oriented mask value 

NO_CAPABILITY = 0

READ = 1

GET = 2

CREATE = 4

UPDATE = 8

UPLOAD = 16

DELETE = 32

Secure Data Type

Core representation of secure data product type. 

Agency User

User will be authenticated by NASA IDMax. This class 

defines any special user privileges. Privileges set 

here will override all data product access capabilities. 

If no special privilege given, then each access will be 

evaluated according to the user + data product 

access role relation

Special User Privileges Constants

NO_CAPABILITY = 0

READ_ALL = 1

WRITE_ALL = 2

ADMIN = 3

Secure Data Type Role

The join between Access Role and Data Product to 

define many-to-many relation to define associate 

access roles to each data product

Agency User Role

The join between Access Role and Agency User to 

define many-to-many relation to define access roles 

for each user

* *

*

*

<<roleId>> <<roleId>>

<<sdtId>> <<auId>>

Contact

<<contactId>>
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TPDS OODT_FM Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

Product Received Time

Product Name

Product Id

Product Type

Product Structure

File Name

File Location

Mime Type

Data Version

Generic Files

Project

Series Id

Run Id

Facility

Size

MD5Checksum

Owner

Submitter

Description

TP Files
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TPDS Top-Level Facility Artifacts Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

Series Run Condition

1..n 1..n

Insertion

1..n
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TPDS Facility Artifacts: Series Schema

Build 3

seriesId: serial

facilityId: integer

seriesNumber: integer

projectId: integer

title: string

secureId: integer

principalInvestigator: string

testEngineerId: integer

submitter: integer

receivedAt: datetime

lastUpdatedBy: string

createdAt: datetime

updatedAt: datetime

description: string

Series Facility

Project

Secure Data Type

<<facilityId>>

<<projectId>>

<<secureId>>

photoId: serial

fileId: integer

seriesId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

captureTime: datetime

Series Photo videoId: serial

fileId: integer

seriesId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

duration: integer

resolution: string

captureTime: datetime

Series Video

OODT

File Manager

<<fileLocation>>

<<<thumbnailLocation>>

thuang-05.04.2012

filedId: serial

seriesId: integer

fileType: string

fileUUID: string

fileLocation: URL

fileSize: Long

thumbnailLocation: URL

description: string

Series Data File

<<seriesId>>

* File Type Constraints

:Series Test Conditions

:Series Igor Macros

:Series Setup Photo

:Series Setup Photo Thumbnail

:Series Photo

:Series Photo Thumbnail

:Series Video

:Series Video Thumbnail

:Series Ancillary

:Series Summary

:Series Data Package

:Series Photo View

:Series Setup Photo Package

:Series Photo Package

<<fileId>> <<fileId>>

1..2

<<seriesId>> <<seriesId>>

* *

Agency User

<<testEngineerId: auId>>

<<submitter: auId>>
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runId: serial

seriesId: integer

runNumber: integer

runDate: datetime

nozzleSize: integer

throatDiameter: float

addAirInstalled: bool

addAirMethod: string

description: string

Run

Series

photoId: serial

fileId: integer

runId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

captureTime: datetime

Run Photo

videoId: serial

fileId: integer

runId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

camera: string

duration: integer

resolution: string

captureTime: datetime

Run Video

OODT

File Manager

TPDS Facility Artifacts: Run Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

fileId: serial

runId: integer

fileType: string

fileUUID: string

fileLocation: URL

fileSize: Long

thumbnailLocation: URL

description: string

Run Data File

File Type Constraints

:Run Sheet

:Run DAS Hookup

:Run DAS Millivolts

:Run_Photo_Frame_Grab

:Run Setup Photo

:Run Setup Photo Thumbnail

:Run Photo

:Run Photo Thumbnail

:Run Video

:Run Video Thumbnail

:Run IR Video

:Run IR Line Profile

:Run IR Temperature Profile

:Run Igor

:Run Igor Readme

:Run EU

:Run Ancillary

<<runId>>

*

<<fileLocation>>

<<thumbnailLocation>>

<<fileId>>

<<fileId>>

1..2

<<runId>>

<<runId>>

*

*

<<seriesId>>

1..n
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conditionId: serial

runId: integer

conditionNumber: string

testGas: string

arcCurrent: float

arcVoltage: float

busVoltage: float

arcHeatPressure: float

mainAir: float

addAir float

argon: float

sonicFlowEnthalpy: float

enthalpyByEnergyBalance: float

Condition

calorimeterId: serial

serialNumber: string

insertionId: integer

calorimeterType: string

shape: string

size: float

Calorimeter

insertionId: serial

conditionId: string

stingArm: string

startTime: datatime

endTime: datatime

distance: float

model: string

Insertion

1..n

1..n

Run

TPDS Facility Artifacts: Run Condition Schema

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

photoId: serial

fileId: integer

insertionId: integer

Height: integer

Width: integer

captureTime: datetime

Insertion Photo

videoId: serial

fileId: integer

insertionId: integer

height: integer

width: integer

camera: string

duration: integer

resolution: string

catpureTime: datetime

Insertion Video

OODT

File Manager

fileId: serial

insertionId: integer

fileType: string

fileUUID: string

fileLocation: URL

fileSize: Long

description: string

thumbnailLocation: URL

Insertion Data File

*

*

*

<<runId>>

<<insertionId>>

<<insertionId>>

<<insertionId>>

<<fileId>>

<<fileId>>

<<fileLocation>>

<<thumbnailLocation>>

1..2

<<conditionId>> File Type Constraints

:Insertion Photo

:Insertion Video

:Insertion Ancillary

0..1

<<insertionId>>

modelId: serial

modelName: string

insertionId: integer

modelMaterial: string

shape: string

size: float

Model

0..1

idxn:integer

insertionId: integer

duration: double

Duration

0..n

conditionId: integer

insertionId: integer

heatFlux: double

stagnationPressure: double

maxProbeTemp: double

centerlineEnthalpy: double

InsertionCalibrationProbe

0..n

<<insertionId>>

0..n

<<calorimeterId>>
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conditionId: serial

runId: integer

conditionNumber: integer

testGas: string

arcCurrent: integer

arcVoltage: integer

busVoltage: integer

arcHeatPressure: integer

mainAir: integer

addAir integer

argon: integer

sonicFlowEnthalpy: float

enthalpyByEnergyBalance: float

Condition

calorimeterId: serial

serialNumber: string

insertionId: integer

calorimeterType: string

shape: string

size: integer

heatFlux: Integer

stagnationPressure: float

maxProbeTemp: float

centerlineEnthalpy: float

Calorimeter

insertionId: serial

conditionId: string

stingArm: string

startTime: datatime

endTime: datatime

duration: integer

distance: integer

model: string

East String: 

Insertion

calorimeterId: serial

serialNumber: string

insertionId: integer

calorimeterType: string

shape: string

size: integer

heatFlux: Integer

stagnationPressure: float

maxProbeTemp: float

centerlineEnthalpy: float

Calorimeter

insertionId: serial

conditionId: string

stingArm: string

startTime: datatime

endTime: datatime

duration: integer

distance: integer

model: string

Overhead String: 

Insertion insertionId: serial

conditionId: string

stingArm: string

startTime: datatime

endTime: datatime

duration: integer

distance: integer

model: string

West Sting: 

Insertion

thuang-05.04.2012 Build 3
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facility: string

series: string

runNumer: int

testEngineer: string

operator: string

principalInvestigator: string

project: string

runDate: long

runTime: String

heaterCfg: String

nozzleShape: String

nozzleSize: String

throatDiameter: Double

addAirPackage: boolean

testGas: string

anodeConf: int

cathodeConf: int

description: string

notes: string

modelCarriage: string

RunSheet

runSheetId: serial

stepNum: int

description: string

dataRate: Double

ProcStep

runSheetId: serial

stepNum: int

specimenType: string

serial: string

specSize: string

specShape: string

materials: string

mass: double

diameter: double

width: double

length: double

resistance: double

Models

runSheetId: serial

stepNum: int

conditionId: string

targetHeat: double

targetPressure: double

probeSize: string

probeShape: string

notes: string

ObjectiveConditon

runSheetId: serial

stepNum: int

conditionId: string

mainAir: double

pch: double

pcs: double

voltage: double

current: double

addAir: double

duration1: double

duration2: double

duration3: double

duration4: double

duration5: double

duration6: double

z: double

tange: double

Condition

<<runSheetId>>

<<runSheetId>>

<<runSheetId>>

<<runSheetId>>

1..n

1..n

1..n

1..n

1..n

Build 3 thuang-05.04.2012

TPDS Run Sheet Schema
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Appendix B. Security Summit Briefing 

Thermal Performance Database

Thermal Performance Database

Preliminary Security Implementation

November 17, 2011

Final2 Version: Updated with inputs from Security Summit

Grover - 1

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Security Discussion Guiding Questions

Grover - 2

• Questions to keep in mind during discussion:

– Are there significant missing use cases?

– Are all user group types identified?

– Within a user group type, are the correct user types 

identified?

– Are access privileges correctly scoped for a given user type?

– Are there use cases where foreign nationals will have 

access to the database?
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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

General Security Approach

Grover - 3

• Global Access Content

– Test Conditions

• All condition data will be globally available (anonymously, 

without test series or project association)

– Arc jet conditions, measured heat flux, measured stagnation 

pressure, calorimeter info, etc.

• Restricted Content

– Project Proprietary Test Results

• Model response data, photo & video data, test plans, test 

results, etc

– ITAR

• Any data that is designated ITAR

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

High Level Use Cases

Grover - 4

• At a high level, users groups are identified as

– Test Facility

– Sensor Lab

– Projects

– Database Administration

• Use cases binned into the following actions:

– Creates

– Updates

– Browse & Searches

– Uploads

– Downloads
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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Use Cases (1/5): Creates

RG - 5

TPDB System

Create Test 

Series

Create 

Facility

Create 

Project

Create

Contact

Create

TPDB User

Create

TPDB 

Access Role

Create 

Calibration 

Sheet

Test 

Facility

Sensor 

Lab

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

Create Test 

Run Sheet

Admin

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

Create 

Instrument

<uses>

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Use Cases (2/5): Updates

RG - 6

TPDB System

Update Test 

Artifacts

Update Cal 

Record 

Update Test 

Plan and 

Results

Update User 

Privileges

Test 

Facility

Sensor 

Lab

Project

Admin

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

Update 

Facility

Update 

Project

Update 

Contact

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>
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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Use Cases (3/5): Browse & Searches

RG - 7

TPDB System

Browse Test 

Metadata

Search Test 

Metadata

Search 

Measured 

Conditions

Test 

Facility

Sensor 

Lab

Project

<uses>

<uses>

Browse 

Calibration 

Sheet

Search Arc 

Conditions

<extends>

<extends>

<uses>

<uses>

<includes>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

Test 

Facility

<uses>

Search 

Calibration 

Sheet

<uses>

<uses>

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Use Cases (4/5): Uploads

RG - 8

TPDB System

Upload Test 

Artifacts

Upload Cal 

Sheets

Upload Test 

Plans and 

Results

Test 

Facility

Sensor 

Lab

Project

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

Archive

DB
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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Use Cases (5/5): Download

RG - 9

TPDB System

Search Test 

Metadata

Download 

Test Artifacts

Download 

Test Series

Download 

Calibration 

Sheet

Search 

Calibration 

Sheet

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

Test 

Facility

Sensor 

Lab

Project

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

<uses>

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Account Request Process

Grover - 10

NAMS

User TPDB

SA

Project

POC

Account

Request

Request for

Approval

Request

Routed to

NAMS 

Approval

Approval Routed to SA

Account

Creation

• Accounts requested via the TPDB web interface, and uses 

NAMS for approval from Project POC and TPDB administrator
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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Project Creation Process

Grover - 11

• Project POC requests the creation of a project via the TPDB web interface

• Once created, in addition to default user types, the project POC defines custom user 

types and defines all user type access privileges if desired different from defaults

TPDB

SA

Project

POC

TPDB

SA

Project

POC

TPDB

SA

Project

POC

Submit Project

Creation Request

Receive Request

Create Project

Submit Custom

User Types

Implement

User Type

Receive Request

Submit Custom

Access Privileges

Receive Request

Implement

Privileges

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

TPDB Group Types

Project

A project requiring use of TPDB for testing planning, test execution, and 

archiving of data. Includes projects affiliated with NASA, industry and 

academia.

Grover - 12

Test Facility

A thermal performance test facility that is a test data source for TPDB.

General

The default user group for general users without a project or test facility 

affiliation. 

TPDB Admin

Personnel supporting the operation, maintenance and development of the 

database.

• The following are identified user group types for the database

Sensor Lab

Sensor lab providing calibration models and sensors.
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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

User Types - Project

Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator for a test series and primary lead for an investigations. 

Responsible for test planning and final analyses and test results.

Grover - 13

PI

General

Analyst

A project affiliated thermal performance analyst responsible for test affiliated thermal 

performance modeling and analyses.

Custom

A customer user type whose name and access privileges can be specified by the project. 

Project POC

A project point of contact responsible for granting user access to project data, and with 

project administrative responsibilities

• The following are identified user types for the user group type 

Project

Analyst

Project

POC

Contractor

Contractor

A project affiliated contractor nominally a project industry partner. 

Custom

General

A user with general affiliation with a project

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

User Types - Test Facility

Test Engineer

Test engineer for a test series. Responsible for test series data delivery to the database.

Grover - 14

General

Photo Tech

Photo/Video technician responsible for test facility photo and video data products.

General

A user with general affiliation with a test facility. 

Facility POC

A facility point of contact responsible for granting user access to project data, and with 

project administrative abilities

• The following are identified user types for the user group type 

Test Facility

TE

Facility

POC

Photo

Tech

Custom

Custom

A customer user type whose name and access privileges can be specified by the test 

facility.
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

Technical Assessment Report

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Title:

Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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55 of 74

NESC Request No.: TI-09-00565 

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

User Types – Sensor Lab

Sensor Lab Tec

Responsible for maintaining Sensor Lab instrument data in the database including 

calibration records.

Grover - 15

• The following are identified user types for the user group type 

Sensor Lab

Sensor

Lab

Tech

Sensor Lab POC

Responsible for maintaining Sensor Lab instrument data in the database including 

calibration records, as well as acting as POC for the Sensor Lab.

Photo

Tech

General

Custom

A customer user type whose name and access privileges can be specified by the sensor 

lab.

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

User Types – General

Grover - 16

General

A user with access to the database but with no specific affiliation.

• The following is the identified user types for the user group 

type General

General

Super

General

Super General

A user with access to the database with no specific affiliation, but with read-all access. 

An example is facility management.
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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

User Types - TPDB Admin

Grover - 17

TPDB SA

Overall database administrator responsible for account creation, database operations 

and database maintenance

• The following are identified user types for the user group type 

TPDB Admin

TPDB

SA

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

• Test Data - Facility Data

– Test Condition Metadata

• Product Types: Metadata

• Access: Global

– Test Condition Data Products

• Product Types: Data files

• Access Global

– Test Data

• Product Types: Metadata & Data Files

• Access: Restricted

• Test Data – Non-Facility

– PI Data

• Product Types: Metadata & Data Files

• Access: Restricted

Database Data Classes

Grover - 18

-Facility Name -Nozzle Size -Throat Diameter -Heat Flux

-Stagnation Press. -Arc Current -Arc Voltage -Arc Heater Pressure

-Mass Flow Rates

-Calorimeter Run Data -Arc Jet Condition Run Data -Calorimeter Traveler

-Test Article Material -Test Article Geometry -Test Article TC Data -Test Article IR Data

-Test Article Pyro Data -Test Photos -Test Videos -Test Run Sheets

-DAS Config. Data

-Test Plan -PI Analyses -Final Test Report

Global

Global

Restricted

Restricted
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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

• Test Data – Non-Facility (cont)

– Analysts Data

• Product Types: Metadata and Data Files

• Access: Restricted

• Sensor Lab Data

– Sensor Data

• Product Types: Metadata and Data Files

• Access: Restricted

• TPDB Administration

– TPDB System Data

• Product Types: Metadata

• Access: Restricted

Database Data Classes (cont.)

Grover - 19

-FIAT Analyses -CFD Analyses -Other Analyses

Restricted

-Instrument Name -Instrument Serial Number -Instrument Op. Range -Calibration Date

-Instrument Geometry -Calibration Sheet

Restricted

-User Accounts -User Privileges

Restricted

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Access Privilege Definitions

Grover - 20

• The following is the set of possible access privileges available 

via the TPDB security system

– Read

• Ability to retrieve and display metadata or a data product

– Write – Create

• Ability to create a new data product, including data product ingestion 

and the input of metadata

– Write – Update

• Ability to update metadata fields of an existing data product

– Write – Replace

• Ability to replace an existing data product, including metadata

– Delete

• Ability to delete a data product

– Download

• Ability to download a data product
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

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Version: 

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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011 Group

Role

ACCESS

Users

TestConditions

Calorimeter&

arcjetmetadata

TestConditions

Calorimeter&arcjet

dataproducts

TestData

ModelData,Thermal

Response,etc

TestData

Photo/VideoData PIData Analyses/CFDData

TESTDATAPRODUCTS-FACILITY TESTDATAPRODUCTS-NON-FACILITY

PROJECTDATA

SYSTEMPRODUCTS

InstrumentData CalibrationSheets AccountSettings,

Etc

SENSORLABDATAPRODUCTS

SENSORLAB TPDBADMIN

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

PROJECT

PI

Analyst

General

Admin

POC

Custom

Contractor

XXXXXX

X X

X X

X X

X X

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

X

X

X

X

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

User Privileges - Project

Grover - 21

• User privileges for Project user types

– Privileges shown are proposed defaults – customization optional

Global Access

Restricted Access

CONFIGURABLE

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011 Group

Role

ACCESS

Users

TestConditions

Calorimeter&

arcjetmetadata

TestConditions

Calorimeter&arcjet

dataproducts

TestData

ModelData,Thermal

Response,etc

TestData

Photo/VideoData PIData Analyses/CFDData

TESTDATAPRODUCTS-FACILITY TESTDATAPRODUCTS-NON-FACILITY

PROJECTDATA

SYSTEMPRODUCTS

InstrumentData CalibrationSheets AccountSettings,

Etc

SENSORLABDATAPRODUCTS

SENSORLAB TPDBADMIN

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

TESTFACILITY

TestEngr

PhotoTech

General

Custom

Admin

POC

XXXXXX

XXXX

XXXX

XXXX

XXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

X

X

X

X

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

User Privileges – Test Facility

Grover - 22

Global Access

Restricted Access • User privileges for Test Facility user types

– Privileges shown are proposed defaults – customization optional

CONFIGURABLE
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

Technical Assessment Report

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NESC-RP09-00565

Version: 

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Title:

Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

Page #: 

59 of 74

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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011 Group

Role

ACCESS

Users

TestConditions

Calorimeter&

arcjetmetadata

TestConditions

Calorimeter&arcjet

dataproducts

TestData

ModelData,Thermal

Response,etc

TestData

Photo/VideoData PIData Analyses/CFDData

TESTDATAPRODUCTS-FACILITY TESTDATAPRODUCTS-NON-FACILITY

PROJECTDATA

SYSTEMPRODUCTS

InstrumentData CalibrationSheets AccountSettings,

Etc

SENSORLABDATAPRODUCTS

SENSORLAB TPDBADMIN

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Custom

SensorLab

Tech

SENSOR

LAB

Admin

POC

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

User Privileges – Sensor Lab

Grover - 23

Global Access

Restricted Access • User privileges for Sensor Lab user types

– Privileges shown are proposed defaults – customization optional

CONFIGURABLE

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

User Privileges – TPDB General & Admin

Grover - 24

Global Access

Restricted Access • User privileges for Sensor Lab user types

– Privileges shown are proposed defaults – customization optional

Group

Role

ACCESS

Users

TestConditions

Calorimeter&

arcjetmetadata

TestConditions

Calorimeter&arcjet

dataproducts

TestData

ModelData,Thermal

Response,etc

TestData

Photo/VideoData PIData Analyses/CFDData

TESTDATAPRODUCTS-FACILITY TESTDATAPRODUCTS-NON-FACILITY

PROJECTDATA

SYSTEMPRODUCTS

InstrumentData CalibrationSheets AccountSettings,

Etc

SENSORLABDATAPRODUCTS

SENSORLAB TPDBADMIN

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

Read

Write-Create

Write-Update

Write-Replace

Delete

Download

TPDBADMIN

System

Admin

General

Super

General

GENERAL

X X

X X

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

X X

X X

XX X

XX X

XX X

XX X

XX X

XX X
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Version: 

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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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NESC Request No.: TI-09-00565 

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Foreign National Restriction

Grover - 25

• Propose ITAR content will be restricted to foreign nationals via 

an ITAR access mask

– Work with community to identify database products that are 

inherently ITAR as a standard

– Establish ITAR mask from identified products

– In addition to set user types privileges, mask is applied to data 

access privileges to further restrict access

– Capability to designate ITAR data to individual data products would 

be required

• TPDB will work with TS division management to identify ITAR 

sensitive data products

• What are inputs from the user community?

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Security Model

Grover - 26

TPDB Security Schema

roleId: serial

name: string

capabilities: integer

Access Role

sdtrId: serial

sdtId: integer

roleId: integer

Secure Data Type Role

sdtId: serial

name: string

description: string

Secure Data Type

auId: string

contactId: integer

secureCapabilities: string

Agency User

auId: string

roleId: integer

Agency User Role

Access Role

Provides abstraction for access groups

Example groups

CEVRead

CEVFacility

Capabilities attribute is a bit-oriented mask value 

NO_CAPABILITY = 0

READ = 1

GET = 2

CREATE = 4

UPDATE = 8

UPLOAD = 16

DELETE = 32

Secure Data Type

Core representation of secure data product type. 

Agency User

User will be authenticated by NASA IDMax. This class 

defines any special user privileges. Privileges set 

here will override all data product access capabilities. 

If no special privilege given, then each access will be 

evaluated according to the user + data product 

access role relation

Special User Privileges Constants

NO_CAPABILITY = 0

READ_ALL = 1

WRITE_ALL = 2

ADMIN = 3

Secure Data Type Role

The join between Access Role and Data Product to 

define many-to-many relation to define associate 

access roles to each data product

Agency User Role

The join between Access Role and Agency User to 

define many-to-many relation to define access roles 

for each user

* *

*

*

<<roleId>> <<roleId>>

<<sdtId>> <<auId>>

Contact

<<contactId>>
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

Technical Assessment Report

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Version: 

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Title:

Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

Page #: 

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Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Other Security Summit User Inputs

Grover - 27

• Can access privilege be tied to data maturity? Would like the 

ability to grant a user type access depending on the maturity of 

the data: preliminary vs final, etc.

• More likely to grant write access to data and metadata if a 

history of data versions is retained prior to modification.

Thermal Performance Database

TPDB Security Summit

Nov. 17, 2011

Security Summary Conclusion

• Participants in the Security Summit express any significant 

disagreements to user access control architecture

• Returning to the original questions posed up front:

– Are there significant missing use cases?

• The Security Summit did not identify any significant missing use cases

– Are all user group types identified?

• The Security Summit did not identify any missing user groups

– Within a user group type, are the correct user types identified?

• The Security Summit identified two missing user types:

– Within a project a user type of Contractor

– Within project, test facility and sensor lab, a user type of Custom that can be defined and named 

by the user group

– Are access privileges correctly scoped for a given user type?

• The Security Summit identified a few minor modifications to default access privileges

• User community recommends user access privileges customizable by user groups –

adopted by TPDB

– Are there use cases where foreign nationals will have access to the 

database?

• The Security Summit determined that there are potential use cases for foreign nations. 

TPDB is working with TS division administration to identify ITAR sensitive data products

Grover - 28

 
NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

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Version: 

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Title:

Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

Page #: 

62 of 74

NESC Request No.: TI-09-00565 

Appendix C. Build 2.0 Briefing Package for System Test 2 
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Version: 

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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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NESC Request No.: TI-09-00565 
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Version: 

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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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NESC Request No.: TI-09-00565 
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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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NESC Request No.: TI-09-00565 
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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS) 

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NESC Request No.: TI-09-00565 
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved

OMB No. 0704-0188

2. REPORT TYPE

Technical Memorandum

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Thermal Performance Data Services (TPDS)

5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

6. AUTHOR(S)

	

		Wright, Michael J.

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

NASA Langley Research Center

Hampton, VA 23681-2199

9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

REPORT NUMBER

L-20287 NESC-RP-09-00565

10. SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S)

NASA

13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassified - Unlimited

Subject Category 16 - Space Transportation and Safety

Availability: NASA CASI (443) 757-5802

19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON

STI Help Desk (email: help@sti.nasa.gov)

14. ABSTRACT

Initiated as a NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) assessment in 2009, the Thermal Performance Database (TPDB) 

was a response to the need for a centralized thermal performance data archive. The assessment was renamed Thermal 

Performance Data Services (TPDS) in 2012; the undertaking has had two fronts of activity: the development of a repository 

software application and the collection of historical thermal performance data sets from dispersed sources within the thermal 

performance community. This assessment has delivered a foundational tool on which additional features should be built to 

increase efficiency, expand the protection of critical Agency investments, and provide new discipline-advancing work 

opportunities. This report contains the information from the assessment.

15. SUBJECT TERMS

NASA Engineering and Safety Center; Thermal Performance Database; Thermal Performance Data Services; object-oriented 

data technology; Thermal Protection System

18. NUMBER

OF

PAGES

79

19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code)

(443) 757-5802

a. REPORT

U

c. THIS PAGE

U

b. ABSTRACT

U

17. LIMITATION OF

ABSTRACT

UU

Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18

Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98)

3. DATES COVERED (From - To)

November 2009 - May 2013

5b. GRANT NUMBER

5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER

5d. PROJECT NUMBER

5e. TASK NUMBER

5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER

869021.05.07.01.12

11. SPONSOR/MONITOR'S REPORT

NUMBER(S)

NASA/TM-2013-218016

16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF:

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 

gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 

collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and 

Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person 

shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS.

1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)

01- 07 - 2013