ASTM F1887-02

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of Baseballs and Softballs

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The ball coefficient of restitution is a ball dynamic property of relative velocity change caused by impact with a rigid wall.
This test method is suitable for obtaining data in research and development, quality control, and classifying balls by liveliness.
Sports associations can use coefficient of restitution standards in specifications for official baseballs and softballs.
This same test procedure can be utilized at impact speeds other then that prescribed in this procedure and so noted in any reported test results.
SCOPE
1.1 This procedure is intended to standardize a method of measuring the coefficient of restitution (COR) of baseballs and softballs.
1.2 This procedure is established to provide a single, repeatable, and uniform test method.
1.3 This procedure is for a ball that is intended for use in the game of baseball or softball.
1.4 The test method is based on ball speed measurements before and after impact with either of two test surfaces: wood or metal.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-2002
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.26 - Baseball and Softball Equipment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1887-98 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of Baseballs and Softballs
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Replaced By: ASTM F1887-09 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of Baseballs and Softballs
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Referred By: ASTM F1890-23 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Softball and Baseball Bat Performance Factor
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Referred By: ASTM F2219-23 - Standard Test Methods for Measuring High-Speed Bat Performance
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
Designation:F1887–02
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of Baseballs
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and Softballs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1887; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.2 This test method is suitable for obtaining data in
research and development, quality control, and classifying
1.1 This procedure is intended to standardize a method of
balls by liveliness.
measuring the coefficient of restitution (COR) of baseballs and
4.3 Sports associations can use coefficient of restitution
softballs.
standards in specifications for official baseballs and softballs.
1.2 This procedure is established to provide a single, repeat-
4.4 This same test procedure can be utilized at impact
able, and uniform test method.
speedsotherthenthatprescribedinthisprocedureandsonoted
1.3 This procedure is for a ball that is intended for use in the
in any reported test results.
game of baseball or softball.
1.4 The test method is based on ball speed measurements
5. Apparatus
before and after impact with either of two test surfaces: wood
5.1 Strike Plate, Method A:
or metal.
5.1.1 Material, 5.08-cm (2-in.) thick steel.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1.2 Size, 61 by 61 cm (24 by 24 in.).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1.3 Mounting, secured flush to a massive rigid wall of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
cinder block or concrete, minimally 20.3-cm (8-in.) thick, and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bolted at all four corners sufficiently secure to prevent move-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ment during ball impact.
2. Terminology 5.2 Strike Plate, Method B:
5.2.1 Material, 10.2-cm (4-in.) thick northern white ash
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
wood with moisture content between 10 and 15 % with a flat
2.1.1 baseball and softball, n—any ball defined by the rules
smooth surface.
for the game of baseball or softball.
5.2.2 Same as 5.1.2.
2.1.2 coeffıcient of restitution (COR), n—a numerical value
5.2.3 Same as 5.1.3.
determinedbytheexitspeedoftheballaftercontactdividedby
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5.3 Ball Throwing Device —Aballthrowingdevicecapable
the incoming speed of the ball before contact with a massive,
of delivering the ball through the electronic speed monitor at
rigid, flat wall of either wood or metal.
26.82 m/s (60 mph) with a maximum tolerance of 60.30 m/s.
3. Summary of Test Method
The machine should be calibrated using the electronic speed
monitor.
3.1 Method A—The strike plate is a rigid metal surface, and
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5.4 Electronic Speed Monitors —An electronic ball speed
ball speed is measured before and after impact with the strike
measuring system consisting of two vertical light screens
plate.
mounted 30.48 cm (12 in.) apart with a tolerance of 60.32 cm,
3.2 Method B—The strike plate is a rigid wood surface, and
and a photoelectric sensor located at each screen that triggers
ball speed is measured before and after impact with the strike
a timing device on ball passage to measure the time for the ball
plate.
to traverse the distance between the two vertical planes before
4. Significance and Use
and after impact with the strike plate. Resolution shall be
60.03 m/s.
4.1 The ball coefficient of restitution is a ball dynamic
5.5 Ball Trajectory Target—A lightweight target with a
property of relative velocity change caused by impact with a
30.48-cm (12-in.) diameter circular opening positioned at the
rigid wall.
1 2
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on ATEC, Model “Casey” or equivalent, or a suitable air cannon device, available
Sports Equipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee from Athletic Training Equipment Co., Sparks, NV.
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F08.26 on Baseball and Softball Equipment and Facilities. Oehler Research Chronograph, Model 35x2, or equivalent; Oehler Research
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 2002. Published January 2003. Originally Skyscreens, Model 55, or equivalent; available from Oehler Research Inc., Austin,
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as F 1887 – 98. TX.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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F1887–02
FIG. 1 Test Apparatus
second light screen and centered on the ball line of travel 8. Procedure
between the throwing device and the center of the strike plate.
8.1 The ball throwin
...