THE USE OF MECHANICAL RESONANCE MEASUREMENTS TO DETERMINE FRUIT TEXTURE.

Several mechanical measurement techniques can be considered to determine fruit texture. Mechanical resonance techniques are two point measurements which can yield local or whole fruit properties. Time-domain of frequency domain analysis of the impact force of a fruit hitting a rigid surface can also be used to evaluate fruit firmness. The latter technique can be more easily applied in sorting lines. Experimental results for apples and tomatoes are given.