ASTM_F_2844_-_11_2015.pdf

Designation:F284411(Reapproved 2015)An American National StandardStandard Test Method forDisplacement Compression of Softball and Baseball BatBarrels1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2844;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method describes a comparative measurementmethod for determining the compression force of softball andbaseball bat barrels as defined by a static compression displace-ment test.1.2 This standard is not intended to define the performanceof softball or baseball bats but to determine the intrinsic barrelcompression of a specific bat.1.3 This standard can be used to compare the relative barrelcompression force of bats using a relatively slow,non-impactloading rate.1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 barrel compression,nthe force reading to deflect thebat barrel by the specified distance.2.1.2 barrel deflection,nthe displacement of the load headduring the test.2.1.3 bat taper,nsection of the bat where the barreldiameter begins to decrease to join the handle of a muchsmaller diameter.2.1.4 force,nthe amount of resistance applied perpendicu-lar to the surface of a bat barrel to cause the barrel to displace.2.1.5 non-solid bat,na bat of hollow construction.2.1.5.1 DiscussionBat may be filled with inserts or flex-ible materials and still be considered a non-solid bat.3.Significance and Use3.1 This test method offers a means to compare the barrelcompression of softball and baseball bats.This test is notintended for wood or solid bats.4.Apparatus4.1 Compression Device,to compress the test bat betweentwo rigid cylindrical shapes to at most 0.070 in.(1.78 mm)netdisplacement.The device shall allow testing at any point alongthe barrel,to within 2 in.of the end cap.The compressiondevice must be able to produce a load of at least 1000 lb(4459N).The load heads shall be able to open more than 2.75 in.(69.9 mm).The width of the device needs to be sufficient sothat the force shall be applied through the centerline of thebarrel diameter and load cylinders.A means of centering thetest bat is required so that the axis of the bat barrel isperpendicular(62)with the cylindrical platens.The deviceshould provide the ability to control the force to 1 lb(4.5 N)and deflection to 0.001 in.(0.025 mm).4.2 Load HeadsA pair of cylindrical shapes with a radiusof curvature of 1.93 6 0.050 in.(49 6 1.3 mm)over a chordheight of at least 0.20 in.(5 mm)(as shown in Fig.1)made ofsteel or a material of equivalent stiffness.The heads are setwith their centerlines within 60.010 in.(60.25 mm),theircylindrical axis parallel within 61 and their curved surfacesin direct opposition to each other.4.3 Load Cell,to measure the compressive load up to atleast 1000 lb(4459 N)with a resolution of at least 1 lb(4 N).4.4 Displacement Gauge,with a range of at least 1.0 in.(25.4 mm)and a resolution of no less than 0.001 in.(0.025mm).4.5 Calibration CylinderA 2.25-in.(57-mm)diameterhollow metal cylinder with a barrel compression between 200and 300 lb.The cylinders calibrated compression and calibra-tion date shall be marked on the cylinder.The strength of thecylinder shall be sufficient not to permanently yield under a0.07-in.(1.78-mm)displacement when tested in accordancewith this standard.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on SportsEquipment,Playing Surfaces,and Facilities and is the direct responsibility ofSubcommittee F08.26 on Baseball and Softball Equipment.Current edition approved Oct.1,2015.Published November 2015.Originallyapproved in 2010.Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F2844 11.DOI:10.1520/F2844-11R15.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 5.Calibration and Standardization5.1 Test the calibration cylinder following this standardbefore each test session.If the compression of the calibrationcylinder differs by more than 620 lb(689 N)from itscalibrated value,recalibrate the load cell or displacementgauge,or both,per the manufacturers instructions.5.2 Calibrate the load cell,displacement gauge,and thecalibration cylinder at least annually to a NIST traceablestandard.6.Conditioning6.1 Test unit shall be within operating li