ASTM F2137-19 (2025) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F2137-19 — Standard Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement Rides and Devices. This practice defines procedures, instrumentation specifications, data acquisition methods, and a Standardized Amusement Ride Characterization (SARC) Test to record and compare the dynamic, patron-related motion of amusement rides and devices. The document appears with a 2019 designation and has been reapproved/updated in the 2025 cycle as indicated by the notation ASTM F2137-19(2025).

Abstract

This practice covers the collection and reporting of data used to characterize the dynamic behavior of amusement rides and devices. It specifies the SARC Test requirements, recommended transducer types and locations (for example accelerometers and data recorders), units of measure (inch‑pound as the standard with SI conversions provided), and documentation to improve repeatability and comparability of results across tests and platforms.

General information

• Status: Active; reapproved/updated in the 2025 cycle (listed as ASTM F2137-19(2025) / F2137-19R25 in publisher records).
• Publication date: Original publication: 15 October 2019; reapproval/update referenced in 2025 (publisher update entries show 2025 reapproval dates).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Classified under amusement/entertainment equipment categories (reported ICS code: 97.200.99 – Other equipment for entertainment).
• Edition / version: Designation F2137-19; editorial/reapproval notation F2137-19(2025) / F2137-19R25 in publisher listings.
• Number of pages: 9 pages (standard document length as published).

Scope

The practice covers acquisition of data related to the dynamic characteristics of amusement rides and devices and defines the SARC Test for characterizing patron-related ride motion. It provides instrumentation and data-acquisition requirements, transducer placement guidance, and documentation formats to enable standardized measurements and comparisons. The practice states inch‑pound units as the normative units while providing SI conversions for information. The document is intended to assist testing when dynamic characteristics are being determined but does not in itself mandate testing of rides.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and procedures for the Standardized Amusement Ride Characterization (SARC) Test.
• Instrumentation specifications including accelerometers, data recorders, and acceptable transducer types.
• Recommended transducer locations and mounting practices to capture representative patron-related motion.
• Data acquisition settings, sampling rates, and documentation requirements for test repeatability and comparability.
• Units and reporting conventions (inch‑pound primary, SI conversions provided; note on unit reversal in harmonized sections where applicable).
• Guidance for producing standardized test records and reports to support comparisons and trend tracking of ride dynamics.

Typical use and users

Used by ride manufacturers, independent test laboratories, amusement-park engineering and safety teams, regulatory and certification bodies, and consultants involved in ride design, commissioning, periodic inspection, or incident investigation. The practice helps these users produce consistent, repeatable data describing ride motion for design validation, maintenance tracking, and safety assessment.

Related standards

ASTM F2137 is often considered alongside regional and international safety standards for amusement rides (for example EN 13814 and related ISO/IEC / regional standards) and other ASTM or ISO documents addressing ride safety, testing methods, and instrumentation. Recent work items show intent to harmonize content with updated EN standards where applicable. Users commonly cross-reference ISO 17842 series and EN safety standards for design, operation, and testing context.

Keywords

accelerometer, data recorder, SARC, Standardized Amusement Ride Characterization, dynamic characteristics, transducer, transducer location, test data record, ride dynamics, amusement rides.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2137-19 is a standard practice that specifies how to measure and record the dynamic characteristics (motion) of amusement rides and devices, including a defined SARC Test and associated instrumentation and reporting guidance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers data acquisition procedures, instrumentation specifications (e.g., accelerometers and data recorders), transducer placement, sampling and recording requirements, unit conventions, and documentation to produce standardized ride-motion test records. It is intended to improve repeatability and allow meaningful comparison between tests and rides.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ride manufacturers, testing laboratories, park engineering and maintenance teams, safety inspectors, certification bodies, and consultants use the practice when they need standardized measurements of ride dynamics for design validation, acceptance testing, maintenance, or investigation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation F2137-19 is the active 2019 edition; publisher records indicate a reapproval/update entry in the 2025 cycle and list the editorial notation F2137-19(2025) (also shown as F2137-19R25 in some listings). There is an active work item for revision activity; users should consult the publisher for the absolute most recent official status and any corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: F2137 is a standalone ASTM practice focused on dynamic measurement methods, but it is commonly used in conjunction with other ASTM, ISO, and EN standards that address ride design, safety, operation, and inspection. Harmonization references to EN standards appear in publisher and committee notes.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include: accelerometer, data recorder, SARC, standardized amusement ride characterization, test data record, transducer, transducer location, dynamic characteristics, and amusement rides.