Acoustic and Thermal Analysis of Food

Abstract

Exploring the food acoustic features can help to understand and effectively apply some preservation treatments that extend their expiration date. The food composition and properties are crucial issues in their acoustic behavior when stimulated with acoustic waves. If these waves are varied in frequency and intensity, the temperature of food could be affected facilitating the moisture removal or degrading its nutritional condition. Therefore, we presented a guide to determine and apply the most influential spectral component of ultrasound waves on apple and tomato when dehydrated in an ultrasound-assisted dehydration system. In this guide, applying the finite element method, we study, simulate, and analyze the acoustic and thermic behavior of apple and tomato inside a chamber when radiated with acoustic waves at (1 Hz, 1 MHz) by using up to three piezoelectric transducers. From the physical parameters defined in the simulation environment for apple and tomato, we find the relevant spectral components that can produce temperature changes in each food sample considering the radiation time and the food sample location. This work represents an analysis guide that allows for determining the best conditions for the acoustic radiation of foods, avoiding their structural and nutritional damage, and seeking the design of energy-efficient processes.