Enabling scientific collaboration and discovery through the use of data standardization

The Railgun Data Format Standard (RDFS) provides a flexible format for the archival of electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) laboratory test data. This effort utilizes the Hierarchical Data Format version 5 (HDF5) for the data model and file format, as well as Extensible Markup Language (XML) for data structure and data type encapsulation. The RDFS was developed through a collaborative effort within the Office of Naval Research (ONR) EMRG program, including members from Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, the Naval Research Laboratory, and the Institute for Advanced Technology. The intent behind the RDFS is to facilitate collaborative data sharing among EMRG researchers through the standardization of EMRG test data archives. The structure of the RDFS is discussed, along with details on its implementation and use within the ONR EMRG community.