XTDB, an XML based format for Calphad databases

The calculation of phase diagram (Calphad) method uses models that depend on assessed parameters to describe the thermodynamic properties of materials. These model parameters are assessed by researchers and students using experimental and theoretical data on binary and ternary systems that can be merged to multicomponent databases and used to calculate properties and simulate processes for a wide range of materials. There are several different software using the Calphad method for calculations and they may use slightly different models and database formats. This paper will provide a short background on the current state of database development and proposes a new format based on the eXtensive Markup Language (XML) as a unified database format. This change is particularly important as several new models for the pure elements are currently being introduced in the Calphad databases.