ASTM_F_1888_-_09_2014.pdf

Designation:F188809(Reapproved 2014)An American National StandardStandard Test Method forCompression-Displacement of Baseballs and Softballs1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1888;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 baseballs and softballs as defined by a staticcompression displacement test.1.2 This test method is based on a slow rate force-displacement measurement.1.3 This procedure is for baseballs and softballs meetingstandards established by the sports governing bodies.NOTE1Since the compression-displacement of baseballs and softballscan influence the performance characteristics,this test provides a simplemethod to compare and categorize such balls based on force levels in astandardized compression-displacement test.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.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias inASTM Test MethodsE691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study toDetermine the Precision of a Test Method3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 baseballs and softballs,nany such ball defined bythe rules of the game as published by the sports governingbodies.3.1.2 compression-displacement,nthe reduction in balldiameter under a specified compressive load between two flatplates.Synonymous with compression-deflection.3.1.3 force,nthe resistance to displacement.The interac-tion between test machine and ball during compression.3.1.4 four seams,nplane passing through the middle ofthe ball intersecting four stitch lines.3.1.5 two seams,nplane passing through the middle of theball intersecting two stitch lines.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 The baseball or softball is placed between two flat-platesurfaces of a compression machine and then compressed to astandard displacement of 6.35-mm(0.25-in.).The compressionload(force)applied at the standard displacement is recorded.5.Significance and Use5.1 The static compression-displacement of a baseball orsoftball is a mechanical property which can correlate todynamic properties.5.2 This test method is suitable for obtaining data inresearch and development,quality control,and classifyingballs by the compression-displacement.5.3 Sports associations can use compression-displacementstandards in specifications for official baseballs and softballsstandards in specifications for official baseballs and softballsfor purposes of consistency of performance.5.4 This same test procedure can be utilized with othercompressive forces and the specified force is not necessarilythe same as experienced in actual use.6.Apparatus6.1 Compression Device,to compress the test ball betweentwo flat plates to 0.25 in.(6.35 mm)displacement.Compres-sive force to 800 lb(3560 N)is sufficient.Ameans of centeringthe test ball so that the vertical axis of the ball aligns with thevertical axis of the compression device piston.6.2 Compression Force Gauge,to measure the compressiveload in newtons or pounds.Device must be able to measure atleast 1000 lb(4448 N).6.3 Compression-Displacement Gauge,to measure the dis-placement at the prescribed level of 0.25 in.(6.35 mm).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 March 1,2014.Published April 2014.Originallyapproved in 1998.Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F1888 09.DOI:10.1520/F1888-09R14.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 6.4 Motor,Drive,and Speed Control,to drive the compres-sion device to 0.25 in.(6.35 mm)displacement in a time of 12to 18 s at a constant rate.6.5 A Steel Tape,0.25 in.(6.35 mm)wide,suitable formeasuring lengths to the nearest 0.0625 in.(1.5875 mm).7.Conditioning7.1 Ball Conditioning and Test Room Conditions:7.1.1 Test balls shall be stored in an environmentallycontrolled spac