ASTM F1881-04

Standard Test Method for Measuring Baseball Bat Performance Factor

SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines a method for determining bat performance by measuring the bat-ball coefficient of restitution (BBCOR), deriving the bat performance factor (BPF), and calculating batted-ball speed (BBS). It is applicable to baseball bats of any construction or material. The method provides a quantitative measure of bat dynamic performance that may be used for comparison purposes.
1.2 The BBCOR, BPF, and BBS are each calculated from measurements taken in the laboratory on test equipment meeting the requirements defined in this test method.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound 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 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 to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2004
• 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 F1881-98 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Baseball Bat Performance Factor
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Replaced By: ASTM F1881-05 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Baseball Bat Performance Factor
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Referred By: ASTM F2398-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Moment of Inertia and Center of Percussion of a Baseball or Softball Bat
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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:F1881–04
Standard Test Method for
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Measuring Baseball Bat Performance Factor
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1881; 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 3.1.3 bat performance factor (BPF), n—ratio of BBCOR to
ball COR in accordance with this test method.
1.1 This specification defines a method for determining bat
3.1.4 center of percussion (COP), n—also known as the
performance by measuring the bat-ball coefficient of restitution
center of oscillation, length of a simple pendulum with the
(BBCOR), deriving the bat performance factor (BPF), and
same period as a physical pendulum, as in a bat oscillating on
calculating batted-ball speed (BBS). It is applicable to baseball
a pivot. Forces and impacts at this location will not induce
bats of any construction or material. The method provides a
axial reactions at the pivot point.
quantitative measure of bat dynamic performance that may be
3.1.5 coeffıcient of restitution (COR), n—measure of impact
used for comparison purposes.
efficiency calculated as the relative speed of the objects after
1.2 The BBCOR, BPF, and BBS are each calculated from
impact divided by the relative speed of the objects before
measurements taken in the laboratory on test equipment
impact.
meeting the requirements defined in this test method.
3.1.6 cycle, n—one complete performance of the oscillation
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
of the bat, specifically, one full swing of the bat.
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
3.1.7 moment of inertia (MOI), n—measure of mass distri-
information only.
bution relative to an axis of rotation. It is the product of the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all the safety
mass multiplied by the square of the distance to the mass,
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
summed over the entire bat.
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
3.1.8 period, n—time required for a pendulum to oscillate
health practices and to determine the applicability of regula-
through one complete cycle.
tory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
2 4.1 This test method offers a laboratory means to compare
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the performance of a baseball bat.
F 1887 Test Method for Measuring the Coefficient of Res-
4.2 Use of this test method can provide sports governing
titution (COR) of Baseballs and Softballs
bodies a means to compare calculated batted-ball speed and
F 1888 Test Method for Compression-Displacement of
other physical properties of the bat for the purposes of
Baseballs and Softballs
controlling the game.
3. Terminology
5. Apparatus
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
5.1 Bat COP Test Apparatus:
3.1.1 balance point, n—distance to the center of mass of a
5.1.1 Ruler, suitable for measuring lengths up to 42 in.
bat when measured from the distal end of the bat knob.
(1067 mm) to the nearest 0.031 in. (0.79 mm).
3.1.2 bat-ball coeffıcient of restitution (BBCOR), n—COR
5.1.2 Weight Scale, suitable for measuring weight up to 48
of a specific ball colliding with a bat as defined in this test
oz (1360 g) to the nearest 0.0035 oz (0.1 g).
method. See coeffıcient of restitution (COR).
5.1.3 Electronic Timer, suitable device for measuring time
to the nearest 1 µs (0.000001 s).
5.1.4 MOI Stand—Aframe with a pivoting bat collar-clamp
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
large enough to allow a bat held in a vertical position to swing
Equipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.26 on
freely (see Fig. 1).
Baseball and Softball Equipment.
5.1.5 Bat Collar-Clamp—A part of the MOI stand that
Current edition approved July 1, 2004. Published July 2004. Originally approved
in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as F 1881 – 98.
allows quick, accurate mounting of the bat without a variable
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 2
MOI effect due to the clamp with a maximum MOI of 4 oz-in.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
(0.8 kg-cm ) measured about the bat pivot location. A light
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. weight clamp or collar that can hold the weight of a bat and
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