Ultrasonic Measurements for Detecting Damage on Agricultural Products

Abstract

The use of ultrasonic measurements for distinguishing between bruised and unbruised apple tissue is presented. When an apple is damaged, the cells distort, and if the elastic limit of the cell wall has been exceeded, they rupture. Scanning electron micrographs showing the differences within the intercellular spaces between damaged and undamaged apple tissue are presented. The undamaged tissues contain a larger percentage of air spaces than the samples from damaged areas. This change in the tissue may be detected using ultrasonic transducers.