Standard Pneumatic Ram Test Method and Equipment Used in Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear and Faceguards

This standard test method describes laboratory equipment and basic requirements pertinent to pneumatic ram testing of protective headgear with face guards. The concept of the pneumatic ram is to deliver an impact to a helmeted, instrumented, headform on a Hybrid III neck that is free to move post impact. This test method has been designed to subject the headgear to both centric and non-centric impacts while capturing both linear and rotational acceleration. It is believed that compliance with this test method will lead to improved headgear performance. Deviations to this test method will be specified in individual standard performance specifications.