Designation: F2137 − 15a

Standard Practice for

Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement
Rides and Devices1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2137; 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.

1. Scope frequency (aliased) signal. Aliasing can be avoided only by

1.1 This practice covers acquisition of data related to the limiting the frequency content of the signal prior to the
dynamic characteristics of amusement rides and devices. sampling process. Once a signal has been aliased, it is not
possible to reconstruct the original signal from the sampled
1.2 This practice also defines the specific requirements of a data.
Standardized Amusement Ride Characterization Test (SARC
Test) for use in characterizing the dynamic motion of an 3.1.2 calibration constant—the arithmetic mean of the sen-
amusement ride or device. sitivity coefficients, evaluated at frequencies that are evenly
spaced on a logarithmic scale between FL and FH.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.1.3 calibration value—the ratio of the reference calibra-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only tion system output, in engineering units relevant to the
and are not considered standard. transducer, to the data channel output, in volts, as measured at
1.3.1 Exception—The values are reversed in Section 13 constant excitation frequency and amplitude.
since EN standards primarily use SI units. 3.1.4 channel frequency class (CFC)—a frequency response
2. Referenced Documents envelope that conforms to Fig. 1 and is referred to by the value
FH in hertz. The CFC frequency response envelope is defined
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 by the boundaries shown in Fig. 1 and the following charac-
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and De- teristic frequencies:
vices FL—Pass band lower limit (hertz). Always equal to zero
2.2 SAE Standard:3 (0.0) hertz.
SAE J211 Instrumentation for Impact Tests FH—Pass band upper limit (hertz). The CFC designator.
2.3 EN Standard:4 FN—The corner or knee of the frequency response envelope.
EN 13814 Fairground and amusement park machinery and Always equal to or greater than 1.667 × FH.
structures - Safety FS—The minimum sample frequency for a sampled data
3. Terminology system that corresponds to the designated CFC. Always equal
to or greater than 12 × FH.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.4.1 Discussion—FL, FH, FN, and FS are always specified
3.1.1 aliasing—a phenomenon associated with sampled data
in hertz. While the characteristics of the CFC may be applied
systems, wherein a signal containing significant energy at
to individual components of a data channel, the CFC is, by
frequencies greater than one half of the system sample fre-
definition, the frequency response envelope of the entire data
quency manifests itself in the sampled data as a lower
channel from the mounted transducer to the final representation
of the acquired data.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement
Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.10 on Test 3.1.5 coordinate system—three orthogonal axes that inter-
Methods. sect at an origin whose positive directions correspond to the
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published December 2015. Originally right-hand rule.
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2137 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/F2137-15A. 3.1.5.1 measurement coordinate system—a coordinate sys-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or tem that provides the reference axes and sign convention for
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the test data record(s).
the ASTM website.
3
3.1.5.2 patron coordinate system—a coordinate system that
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096. is fixed with respect to the human upper torso and oriented as
4
Available from European Committee for Standardization, http://www.cen.eu/. in Fig. 2.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
1
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a

FIG. 1 Frequency Response Envelope

3.1.5.3 vehicle coordinate system—a coordinate system that squares, to calibration values generated at a single frequency
is fixed with respect to the ride or device being tested. and at various amplitudes within the data channel full scale
3.1.6 data channel—the entire instrumentation system for a range. In the special case where only a single calibration value
single channel of data acquisition; from the transducer to the is considered, the sensitivity coefficient and the calibration
final representation of the data, including all post-acquisition value will be equal.
data processing that may alter the amplitude or frequency 3.1.15 standardized amusement ride characterization test
content of the data. (SARC Test)—an instrumented test of an amusement ride or
3.1.7 data channel full scale—the maximum usable value, device that is done in conformance to the general specifications
in units of the physical phenomenon being measured, that may of this standard and the particular specifications of Section 12.
be represented by a data channel. This value is determined by 3.1.16 test data record—the uninterrupted time record of
the data channel component with the lowest full-scale range. data channel value(s) that results from a data acquisition
3.1.8 free-run time—a period of time during the ride cycle session. the length of a data acquisition session is not specified.
when no energy is added to the ride vehicle. The data acquisition session is considered complete (or inter-
3.1.9 full-scale—the maximum usable value, in units of the rupted) when data is not recorded for a time interval longer
physical phenomenon being measured, which may be repre- than the sampling period of the data recorder. Both a strip chart
sented by a data channel or some component thereof. paper record and a computer data file containing periodically
3.1.10 “g”—the standard acceleration due to gravity at the sampled data channel values are typical forms of a test data
surface of the earth. Defined as 32.2 ft/s/s or 9.81 m/s/s. record.
3.1.11 nonlinearity—the ratio, in percent, of the maximum 3.1.17 test documentation—the entire body of documenta-
difference between a calibration value and the corresponding tion pertaining to a test performed in compliance with this
value determined from the straight line defined by the sensi- practice, including, but not limited to, the test data record(s),
tivity coefficient and zero bias. data channel specifications and other test specifications, and
3.1.12 reference calibration system—the entire calibration information as provided in this practice (see Section 11 and
instrumentation system from the reference transducer to the 12.1.9).
output device that provides the calibration excitation value in 3.1.18 transducer—the device at the front end of the data
engineering units appropriate to the physical phenomenon channel that converts a physical phenomenon, such as
being measured. acceleration, to a calibrated electrical signal that may be input
3.1.13 resolution—the lowest magnitude data channel out- to the remainder of the data channel.
put value that can be identified as non-zero. 3.1.19 transverse sensitivity—the sensitivity of a rectilinear
3.1.14 sensitivity coeffıcient—the slope of the straight line transducer to excitation along an axis that is perpendicular to
representing the best fit, as determined by the method of least its nominal sensitive axis.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
2
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a

FIG. 2 Patron Coordinate System

3.1.20 zero bias—the magnitude of the data channel output ized test results regarding the patron-related, dynamic motion
when the transducer input is zero or static. of amusement rides or devices. The SARC Test will facilitate
both the meaningful comparison of the dynamic motion of
4. Significance and Use different amusement rides or devices and the tracking of
4.1 This practice is intended for use whenever the dynamic changes, if any, in the dynamic characteristics of a given ride
characteristics of an amusement ride or device are to be or device.
determined. The existence of this practice is not intended to
5. Data Channel Performance Specifications
imply that there is a requirement to perform specific testing on
amusement rides or devices. 5.1 CFC Definitions—The following channel frequency
classes are defined as standard:
4.2 The general provisions of this practice provide instru-
CFC10A CFC60B
mentation specifications, data acquisition and testing
FL 0.0 Hz 0.0 Hz
procedures, and documentation requirements that when applied FH 10.0 Hz 60.0 Hz
will improve the repeatability, reliability, and utility of the test FN 16.7 Hz 100 Hz
results. FS 120 Hz 720 Hz

4.3 Based on the general provisions of this practice, the A

CFC10 should be used when the data channel is being used for acquisition of
SARC Test specifications, when followed, will yield standard- lower frequency events.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
3
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a
B
CFC60 should be used when the data channel is being used for acquisition of 8. Calibration Specifications
higher frequency events.
8.1 For transducers, data recorders, or any other data chan-
5.1.1 Other channel frequency classes may be defined as nel component that is subject to calibration changes over time,
needed or desired by the user of this practice. The proportional the calibration constant and frequency response shall be
relationship between FH, FN , and FS shall be maintained for all determined and documented annually.
channel frequency classes.
8.2 Reference calibration instrumentation used as a second-
5.2 Minimum data channel resolution shall be 2 % of the ary standard in the calibration of a data channel or any
data channel full scale. subsystem thereof shall have current certificates of calibration
5.3 Maximum nonlinearity shall be 2.5 % of the data that are traceable to accepted national standards.
channel full scale. 8.3 The reference calibration system and calibration meth-
5.4 Minimum time base resolution shall be 1/FS (s). ods shall not introduce a calibration error greater than 1.5 % of
the data channel full scale.
5.5 Maximum relative delay or time shift between data
channels that are nominally acquired simultaneously shall be 8.4 To establish a data channel or data channel component
1/FS (s). frequency response and calibration constant, sensitivity coef-
ficients shall be determined from calibration values measured
6. Transducer Performance Specifications at a minimum of one signal amplitude that represents at least
50 % of the full scale range of the data channel or component
6.1 Transducer selection shall be consistent with the in- being calibrated and throughout a range of frequencies from FL
tended test objectives and generally accepted instrumentation to 10 × FH for a given CFC. A minimum set of five sensitivity
and engineering practice. coefficients establishes the frequency response of a data chan-
6.2 The transducer frequency response curve shall conform nel or component. The minimum set of sensitivity coefficients
to the CFC frequency response envelope from FL through shall be generated at frequencies that nominally correspond to
2 × FH and exhibit no more than +6 dB of peaking at the the following CFC specifications:
natural frequency of the transducer. F L , F H , F N , 2 3 F H , and 10 3 F N

6.3 Maximum transverse sensitivity shall be 3 %. 8.5 To establish nonlinearity, a minimum of one sensitivity
coefficient shall be determined from calibration values gener-
7. Recorder Performance Specifications ated at a minimum of three signal amplitudes that nominally
correspond to the following percentages of the minimum
7.1 Analog Data Recorders: full-scale range of the data channel or data channel component
7.1.1 The analog data recorder shall provide a method by being calibrated: Less than 20 % of full scale, 50 % of full
which the zero bias, if any, can be reduced to less than the data scale, and >80 % of full scale. For the minimum requirement of
channel minimum resolution prior to acquiring any test data. a single sensitivity coefficient, the nominal frequency shall be
7.1.2 Minimum amplitude resolution shall be two 2 % of the halfway between FL and FH.
data channel full scale.
7.1.3 Paper tape recorders (or their equivalent) shall provide 9. Transducer Location and Mounting
a minimum paper speed, in mm/s, of 1.5 × FH (Hz). 9.1 General Instrumentation:
7.2 Digital Data Recorders: 9.1.1 Transducer location, orientation, and mounting
7.2.1 All data shall be acquired with a minimum CFC of ten. method shall be consistent with the intended test objectives and
7.2.2 Minimum amplitude resolution shall be 0.10 % of the generally accepted instrumentation and engineering practice.
data channel full scale. 9.1.2 Transducers shall be mounted such that the angle
7.2.3 Minimum sample rate shall be FS (Hz) for the chosen between the sensitive axis (axes) of the transducer and the
CFC. corresponding axis (axes) of the selected coordinate system
shall be no greater than 5°.
7.2.4 Protection from aliasing errors in the sampled data
shall be accomplished by pre-sample filtering that conforms to 9.2 General Accelerometry:
the specified CFC frequency response envelope for the data 9.2.1 Mounting—To avoid distortion in the data channel
channel. values, accelerometers shall be mounted so as to minimize
7.2.4.1 Alternate protection from aliasing errors may be relative motion between the transducers and the instrumented
accomplished by providing appropriate pre-sample, anti-alias surface. When deemed appropriate, an analytical or experimen-
filtering in conjunction with a higher-than-FS sample rate and tal evaluation of transducer mounting effects on the data
digital post-acquisition filtering such that the frequency re- channel should be provided (see 11.1.6).
sponse envelope of the data channel conforms to the desired 9.2.2 When multi-axis accelerations at a point are to be
CFC frequency response envelope. The anti-alias filter charac- measured, the center of seismic mass of each accelerometer
teristics shall be such that the maximum possible signal shall be within 60 mm of that point. Each accelerometer axis
amplitude at one half the sampling frequency is less than the shall be within one degree of orthogonal relative to the other
data channel minimum resolution. axes.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
4
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a
10. Procedure 11.1.7 Documentation of transducer mounting location(s)
10.1 The unique characteristics of a particular amusement and orientation(s).
ride or device or other special circumstances may be such that 11.1.8 Documentation of the measurement coordinate
it is not reasonably possible to test in strict conformance with system, including identification of the positive direction along
one or more provisions of this practice. Any deviation(s) from each of the coordinate axes.
the provisions of this practice shall be recorded so as to clearly 11.1.9 A description of each data channel utilized during the
provide a description of the specific deviation(s). test, including but not limited to:
10.2 Field Calibration: 11.1.9.1 Data channel title, engineering units, CFC, and data
10.2.1 Where practical, all data channels should be sub- channel resolution.
jected to a field calibration procedure to establish the reliability 11.1.9.2 Documentation regarding the inclusion or exclu-
of the data channel calibration. sion of gravity effects in the zero bias for data channels that are
10.2.2 For accelerometer-based data channels, the field sensitive to gravity.
calibration procedure, may take the form of a 2g “roll-over” 11.1.10 The manufacturer, model, serial number, and most
test. The 2 g “roll-over” test requires that the accelerometer be recent calibration date for all data channel components that are
placed with its sensitive axis perpendicular to a plane surface subject to the calibration requirements of this practice.
that is nominally level with respect to the earth while the output 11.1.11 Documentation of the ride or device operating
of the data channel is recorded. The accelerometer should then parameters for each test data record including but not limited
be oriented with its sensitive axis parallel to this surface to to: patron load or ballast weight and brake settings.
record a zero-g input. Next, the accelerometer should be
inverted with respect to its original orientation and its output 12. Standardized Amusement Ride Characterization Test
recorded. This procedure will yield a three-point calibration (SARC Test)
(+1g, 0g, and -1g) with a nominal 2g range. 12.1 In addition to the general provisions of this practice, a
10.3 When testing the nominal dynamic characteristics of SARC Test shall also conform to the following specifications:
amusement rides and devices that have characteristics that 12.1.1 Testing Ballast Weight:
change with respect to operating temperature, the rides or 12.1.1.1 Those amusement rides or devices where adults are
devices shall be operated for a minimum of three full cycles permitted to ride shall be tested with a total ballast weight
prior to data collection. Additionally, in the case of gravity equivalent to between 145 and 170 lb for each patron location.
operated amusement rides or devices, such as roller coasters, 12.1.1.2 Those amusement rides or devices that are strictly
the rides or devices should be operated until free-run times limited to children shall be tested with a total ballast weight
have a variability of less than 5 % prior to data collection. equivalent to between 75 and 100 lb for each patron location.
10.4 The zero bias of each data channel shall be accounted 12.1.2 Triaxial accelerations shall be measured (see 9.2.2).
for in the test data record(s). 12.1.3 Each of the three acceleration data channels shall
conform to CFC10.
11. Test Documentation 12.1.4 Data channel full scale shall be nominally 10g giving
11.1 Include the following in the test documentation: a data channel range of 610g with a minimum resolution of
11.1.1 General test information, including but not limited to 0.05g.
ride or device name, serial number, and location; test date and 12.1.5 Transducer Location:
time; and the names of the testing personnel. 12.1.5.1 Location—Adult:
11.1.2 A record of the nominal environmental conditions (1) For a ride or device in which patrons ride while seated,
during the test, such as temperature, humidity, and wind the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or point center
conditions. of seismic masses in the case of multiple accelerometers) shall
11.1.3 The test data record(s). be mounted at a location between 12 and 16 in. (31 and 41 cm)
11.1.4 An indication establishing a relationship between at above the seat level and between 2.5 and 5 in. (6 and 13 cm)
least one time point in each test data record and a correspond- fore of the upper torso contact surface or, in the absence of
ing known physical position of the ride or device in the ride such surface, a plane reasonably approximating the location of
cycle. In the case where a known physical position in the ride the posterior aspect of the patron’s upper torso.
cycle cannot be established due to the random or non- (2) For a ride or device in which patrons ride while
repeatable nature of the ride, an indication establishing a standing, the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or
relationship between at least one time point in each test data point center of seismic masses in the case of multiple acceler-
record and a corresponding time point in the ride cycle shall be ometers) shall be mounted at a location between 45 and 49 in.
provided. (114 and 125 cm) above floor level and between 3 and 5 in. (8
11.1.5 The results of all field calibration procedures per- and 13 cm) fore of the upper torso contact surface, or in the
formed as part of the test procedure (see 10.2). absence of such a surface a plane reasonably approximating the
11.1.6 Documentation of the transducer mounting method location of the posterior aspect of the patron’s upper torso.
including the results from any analytical or experimental (3) For a ride or device in which patrons ride supine or
evaluation of transducer mounting effects on the data channel prone (lying down), the center of seismic mass of the acceler-
(see 9.2.1, 12.1.6). ometer (or point center of seismic masses in the case of

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
5
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a
multiple accelerometers) shall be mounted at a location be- 12.1.8.2 For each accelerometer mounting location or ori-
tween 3 and 5 in. (8 and 13 cm) above the upper torso or chest entation used, the initial relationship between the gravity
contact surface or, in the absence of such a surface, a plane vector and the vehicle coordinate system, represented by the
reasonably approximating the location of the posterior aspect transducer axes, shall be established and documented while the
of the patron’s upper torso and 45 and 49 in. (114 and 125 cm) amusement ride or device is at a state of rest prior to the
superior (as directed along the negative Z axis of the patron’s beginning of the ride cycle (see 12.1.9.2).
coordinate system) of the foot contact surface or, in the absence 12.1.9 Test Documentation—The test documentation shall
of such surface, a plane reasonably approximating the location include:
of the plantar aspect of the feet. 12.1.9.1 A minimum of two consecutive test data records
12.1.5.2 Location—Children: from one transducer mounting location to establish a measure
(1) For a ride or device in which patrons ride while seated, of the repeatability of the test configuration and the acquired
the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or point center test data. Test documentation for all rides or devices that
of seismic masses in the case of multiple accelerometers) shall incorporate significant random, non-repeatable, motion is ex-
be mounted at a location between 11 and 14 in. (28 and 36 cm) cepted from this requirement.
above the seat level and between 1 and 3.5 in. (3 and 9 cm) fore 12.1.9.2 Documentation of the initial, at-rest relationship
of the upper torso contact surface or, in the absence of such between the gravity vector and the measurement coordinate
surface, a plane reasonably approximating the location of the system (see 10.4 and 12.1.8.2).
posterior aspect of the patron’s upper torso
(2) For a ride or device in which patrons ride while 13. Standardized Amusement Ride Characterization Test
standing, the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or Specific to EN 13814: (SARC-EN Test)
point center of seismic masses in the case of multiple acceler- 13.1 Testing Ballast Weight:
ometers) shall be mounted at a location between 28 and 32 in. 13.1.1 Those amusement rides or devices where adults are
(71 and 81 cm) above floor level and between 1 and 3 in. (3 and permitted to ride shall be tested with a total ballast weight
8 cm) fore of the upper torso contact surface, or in the absence equivalent to between 66 and 77 kg (145 and 170 lb) for each
of such a surface a plane reasonably approximating the location patron location.
of the posterior aspect of the patron’s upper torso. 13.1.2 Those amusement rides or devices that are strictly
(3) For a ride or device in which patrons ride supine or limited to children shall be tested with a total ballast weight
prone (lying down), the center of seismic mass of the acceler- equivalent to between 34 and 45 kg (75 and 100 lb) for each
ometer (or point center of seismic masses in the case of patron location.
multiple accelerometers) shall be mounted at a location be-
tween 1 and 3 in. (3 and 8 cm) above the upper torso or chest 13.2 Triaxial accelerations shall be measured (see 9.2.2).
contact surface or, in the absence of such a surface, a plane 13.3 Each of the three acceleration data channels shall
reasonably approximating the location of the posterior aspect conform to CFC20.
of the patron’s upper torso and 28 and 32 in. (71 and 81 cm) 13.4 Data channel full scale shall be nominally 10 g giving
superior (as directed along the negative Z axis of the patron’s a data channel range of 610 g with a minimum resolution of
coordinate system) of the foot contact surface or, in the absence 0.05 g.
of such surface, a plane reasonably approximating the location
of the plantar aspect of the feet. 13.5 Transducer Location:
13.5.1 Location—Adult:
12.1.6 Mounting—To avoid distortion in the data channel
13.5.1.1 For a ride or device in which patrons ride while
values, accelerometers shall be mounted so as to minimize
seated, the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or
relative motion between the transducers and the vehicle plat-
point center of seismic masses in the case of multiple acceler-
form. In the case of a ride containing a patron support structure
ometers) shall be mounted at 60 6 5 cm (24 6 2 in.) above the
that moves relative to the vehicle platform by design, the
seat level and between 10 6 3 cm (4 6 1 in.) fore of the upper
transducers shall be mounted so as to minimize relative motion
torso contact surface or, in the absence of such surface, a plane
between the transducers and the patron support structure.
reasonably approximating the location of the posterior aspect
When deemed appropriate, an analytical or experimental
of the patron’s upper torso.
evaluation of transducer mounting effects on the data channel
13.5.1.2 For a ride or device in which patrons ride while
should be provided (see 11.1.6).
standing, the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or
12.1.7 The transducer shall be fixed such that the vehicle point center of seismic masses in the case of multiple acceler-
coordinate system, represented by the transducer axes, is ometers) shall be mounted at a location 120 6 5 cm (47 6 2
oriented similarly to the patron coordinate system of a patron in.) above floor level and 10 6 3 cm (4 6 1 in.) fore of the
situated normally on the ride or device prior to the beginning upper torso contact surface, or in the absence of such a surface
of the ride cycle. a plane reasonably approximating the location of the posterior
12.1.8 Gravity: aspect of the patron’s upper torso.
12.1.8.1 The effect of gravity shall be included in the zero 13.5.1.3 For a ride or device in which patrons ride supine or
bias of all data channels measuring accelerations relative to the prone (lying down), the center of seismic mass of the acceler-
vehicle coordinate system specified in 12.1.7. After bias ometer (or point center of seismic masses in the case of
adjustments, the at-rest resultant acceleration shall be 1 g. multiple accelerometers) shall be mounted at a location 10 6

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
6
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a
3 cm (4 6 1 in.) above the upper torso or chest contact surface above floor level and 5 6 2 cm (2 6 1 in.) fore of the upper
or, in the absence of such a surface, a plane reasonably torso contact surface, or in the absence of such a surface a
approximating the location of the posterior aspect of the plane reasonably approximating the location of the posterior
patron’s upper torso and 120 6 5 cm (47 6 2 in.) superior (as aspect of the patron’s upper torso.
directed along the negative Z axis of the patron’s coordinate 13.5.2.3 For a ride or device in which patrons ride supine or
system) of the foot contact surface or, in the absence of such prone (lying down), the center of seismic mass of the acceler-
surface, a plane reasonably approximating the location of the ometer (or point center of seismic masses in the case of
plantar aspect of the feet. multiple accelerometers) shall be mounted at a location 5 6 2
13.5.2 Location—Children: cm (2 6 1 in.) above the upper torso or chest contact surface
13.5.2.1 For a ride or device in which patrons ride while or, in the absence of such a surface, a plane reasonably
seated, the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or approximating the location of the posterior aspect of the
point center of seismic masses in the case of multiple acceler- patron’s upper torso and 76 6 5 cm (30 6 2 in.) superior (as
ometers) shall be mounted at a location between 50 6 5 cm (20 directed along the negative Z axis of the patron’s coordinate
6 2 in.) above the seat level and 5 6 2 cm (2 6 1 in.) fore of system) of the foot contact surface or, in the absence of such
the upper torso contact surface or, in the absence of such surface, a plane reasonably approximating the location of the
surface, a plane reasonably approximating the location of the plantar aspect of the feet.
posterior aspect of the patron’s upper torso.
13.5.2.2 For a ride or device in which patrons ride while 14. Keywords
standing, the center of seismic mass of the accelerometer (or 14.1 accelerometer; data recorder; SARC; standardized
point center of seismic masses in the case of multiple acceler- amusement ride characterization; test data record; test docu-
ometers) shall be mounted at a location 76 6 5 cm (30 6 2 in.) mentation; transducer; transducer location

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SEATBACK ANGLE MEASUREMENT

X1.1 General
X1.1.1 This standard requires that, when acceleration data
are acquired, the acceleration data reference the patron coor-
dinate system where the Z axis is nominally aligned with the
spine. As the spine is curved and relatively flexible and
restraint surfaces may have different contours, an estimate of
the overall direction of the spine can be accomplished in a
number of different ways. This appendix is intended to present
one possible approach to the measurement of the seatback
angle but is in no way to be interpreted as the only method to
represent the alignment of the patron coordinate system.
X1.2 Construction
X1.2.1 The seatback angle measurement tool is constructed
from two assemblies spaced 7.5 in. (191 mm) apart (approxi-
mate width of the hip joint for a 95 percentile US male),
connected by threaded rod or equivalent. Each assembly
consists of two 6 in. (152 mm) diameter disks with an
adjustment feature such that the center to center spacing of the
disks may be modified. See Fig. X1.1.
X1.2.1.1 For those amusement rides or devices that are
kiddie rides per Terminology F747, the seatback angle mea-
surement tool shall be modified as appropriate.
FIG. X1.1 Seatback Measurement Tool
X1.3 Placement
X1.3.1 Ride Location—Where applicable, the seatback
measurement should be made with the ride seatback or seat For example, the seatback measurement may be taken while a
pan, or both, positioned in a location along the course of the traditional roller coaster train is parked in the load or unload
ride where the measurement is repeatable within one degree. station.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
7
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a
X1.3.2 General—Fig. X1.1 shows the seatback angle mea-
suring tool. This tool is intended to locate the seatback plane
and the seat pan plane by using the center of the adult patron
hip based on the H-Point (hip pivot point), where appropriate.
X1.3.3 Seat Pan and Seatback—When both a seat pan and
a seatback exist, the tool should be positioned on the seat pan
against the seatback and with the centers of the upper disks
adjusted to a height 3 in. (76 mm) below the top of the seatback
but no more than 19 in. (483 mm) above the centers of the
lower disks. The center of the tool shall be aligned with the
expected patron’s centerline. The seatback angle is measured
along the center of the tool.
X1.3.4 Seat Pan Only—When no seatback exists, the seat-
back angle is considered to be zero (aligned with gravity).
X1.3.5 Seatback Only—When no seat pan exists but there is
a support to lean against, the tool should be positioned such
that the center of the lower disks are at 32 in. (813 mm) above
the standing surface (approximate hip joint height of the 5 %
US female). The centers of the upper disks adjusted to a height FIG. X1.2 Seatback Measurement with Partial Seatback
3 in. (76 mm) below the top of the support but no more than 19
in. (483 mm) above the centers of the lower disks. The center
of the tool shall be aligned with the expected patron’s center- X1.4 Reporting
line. The seatback angle is measured along the center of the X1.4.1 Seatback Angle—The seatback angle is considered
tool. to be the angular difference from gravity, relative to the right
X1.3.6 Seatback does not extend all the way to the seat hand patron coordinate system as shown in Fig. 2. Thus if the
pan—The tool shall be located such that the upper disks are patron is leaning back, the angle would be reported as a
against the upper seatback and the lower disks are positioned as negative quantity and if the patron is leaning forward the angle
if the seatback extended down to the seat pan. See Fig. X1.2. would be reported as a positive quantity. See Fig. X1.3.
X1.3.7 Free Standing—When the patron is free standing, X1.4.2 Tool Dimensions—The distance between the centers
the patron is to be considered to be aligned with gravity. of the upper disks and lower disks should be recorded.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
8
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2137 − 15a

FIG. X1.3 Seatback Angle Reporting

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Nov 21 07:56:02 EST 2016
9
Downloaded/printed by
Katerina Koperna (ASTM International) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.