ASTM F3555-22

Standard Test Method for Measuring Impact Attenuation Characteristics of Helmets Under Induced Rotational Loading Using an Inclined Anvil

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of these test methods is to provide reliable and repeatable tests for the evaluation of various types of protective headgear when subjected to rotational loading. Use of these test methods in conjunction with the specific individual performance standards is intended to reduce the likelihood of serious injury and death resulting from impacts to the head sustained by individuals participating in sports, recreation, and other leisure activities in which protective headgear is worn.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers laboratory equipment, procedures, and basic requirements pertinent to testing the performance of helmets during rotational loading using an incline anvil. Deviations and additions to this test method will be specified, as required, in individual ASTM performance standards.  
1.2 Requirements—The helmet may be tested under one or more specified environmental conditions for impact attenuation (the limiting of impact forces) as a result of a vertical free-fall onto an incline anvil.  
1.3 Except where noted, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2022
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.53 - Headgear and Helmets

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3555 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Impact Attenuation Characteristics of Helmets
1
Under Induced Rotational Loading Using an Inclined Anvil
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3555; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This test method specifies equipment and procedures used for the evaluation of the impact
attenuation characteristics of helmets under induced rotational loading using an incline anvil. It is the
responsibility of each ASTM Committee to decide whether this test method is suitable for inclusion
in their particular head protection standard. Individual ASTM performance standards (standard
specifications) may use these procedures and equipment and may specify test conditions, pass-fail
criteria, and other applicable performance requirements tailored to the needs of a particular activity
(for example, hockey, football, baseball, etc.). This test method was developed using resources in
medical, scientific, mechanical engineering, human factors, and biomechanical fields. However, it is
recognized that it is not possible to write a performance standard that will include all possible impact
scenarios. It is also recognized that serious injury or death can result from both low and high-energy
impacts, even when a helmet is worn. This test method incorporates aspects of other recognized
protectiveequipmentperformancestandards.Itdrawsfromworkdonebyotherswhereappropriatefor
this test method. These standards are referenced within this standard test method. It should be noted
that this test method specifies laboratory tests of helmets to measure its ability to reduce impact forces
applied to the head and other selected parameters during normal use for the given activity.
1. Scope priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This test method covers laboratory equipment,
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
procedures, and basic requirements pertinent to testing the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
performance of helmets during rotational loading using an
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
incline anvil. Deviations and additions to this test method will
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
be specified, as required, in individual ASTM performance
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
standards.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 Requirements—The helmet may be tested under one or
2. Referenced Documents
more specified environmental conditions for impact attenua-
2
tion (the limiting of impact forces) as a result of a vertical 2.1 SAE Standards:
free-fall onto an incline anvil. SAE J211-1 Instrumentation for Impact Test – Part 1 –
Electronic Instrumentation
1.3 Except where noted, the values stated in SI units are to
SAE J1727 Calculation Guidelines for Impact Testing
be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses
3
2.2 ISO Standard:
are for information only.
ISO 6344-2 CoatedAbrasives – Determination and designa-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tionofgrainsizedistribution–Part2:MacrogritsizesP12
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to P220
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
2
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr.,Warrendale,
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets. PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
3
Current edition approved June 15, 2022. Published July 2022. DOI: 10.1520/ Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
F3555-22. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F3555 − 22
3.1.1 alpha (α), n—abbreviation for angular acceleration, 6. Test Methodology
expressed in units of radians per second-squared.
6.1 Test Apparatus—The test apparatus shall consist of the
3.1.2 area of coverage, n—a specified area of the protective
following components and characteristics.
device that is inten
...