This file can then be included in the input to the analysis program. TPS X consists of the computer program itself and associated data files. Additional data, such as a periodic table of elements and a chemical and material species database, are also included in TPS X . The program accesses these files then presents the information in the form requested by the user. Although TPS X was developed for use in the design of thermal protection systems, it is general enough to be used as a repository for any material property data.
Users can create their own database using the built in database editor.
The database accepts property values which depend on as many as three independent values. Thus, for example, it is possible to include thermal conductivity as a function of both temperature and pressure, or material strength as a function of temperature and orientation. The Ames ASM database includes over 60 TPS materials. These include ceramic tile and flexible blanket materials used on the Shuttle thermal protection system . All the materials include a point of contact and some have digitized photographs.