1.1 This test method covers the measurement of certain shock attenuating characteristics, rapid rate force-displacement relationships, of materials systems employed in the midsole of athletic footwear intended for use in normal running movements. This test method covers three different procedures for performance of the rapid rate force application: Procedure A for falling weight impact machines, Procedure B for compression force controlled machines, and Procedure C for compression displacement controlled machines.

1.2 The material system response for rapid rate force application may be different for each of the three procedures of this test method.

1.3 This test method is empirically based on the use of an 8.5-kg mass dropped from 50 mm (1.97 in.) to generate peak compressive forces which are comparable to that experienced by a midsole in heel strike tests for normal running movement.^, This requires the specimen to be rigidly supported and the energy to be delivered through a 45-mm (1.8-in.) diameter flat tup.

1.4 This test method imposes an impulse to generate a rapid rate compressive force-displacement hysteresis cycle and evaluates shock attenuating characteristics of the specimen. The maximum energy applied to the specimen occurs at peak displacement and must be within 10 % of a reference value that is used to normalize the data for comparative purposes.