Why sound is so valuable to your product success

The Acoustic Envelope Detector on the
TA.XTplusC Texture Analyser

Ever wondered why we are so drawn to the pop of a champagne cork or the fizz released when opening a carbonated beverage can? Auditory inputs contribute to product enjoyment and currently are the underestimated dimension to be measured and controlled for product success.

Whilst a number of the world’s largest food producers are now starting to commercialise the crunch of their product there are a wide range of other products where sound is a key feature to their likeability. What we hear when we experience the product plays an important role in our multisensory perception and enjoyment of the overall multisensory experience of using it.

How to measure sound

Data from the Acoustic Envelope Detector shown
in Exponent Connect software

The science of sound emission is called acoustics and its analysis gives you vital information on the quality and acceptability of the product – both actual and perceived. Sound can be simultaneously captured whilst measuring the texture, deformation or breakdown of a product on a Texture Analyser.

If a product developer wanted to measure their product pop or fizz, they would simply put the product under the Texture Analyser with an appropriate testing fixture chosen to imitate how it would be handled in real life – so, for a tablet, they would use a compression probe. They would then position the microphone 1 centimetre from where the tablet was going to fracture. The acoustic data would be captured throughout the breaking of the tablet and would be presented graphically and can then be analysed to collect parameters of particular interest.

To make a louder product you would be looking for the product that generates the highest ‘peaks’ or decibel values, so tall peaks rather than lots of little ones. If a manufacturer wants to compare how ‘crispy’ different products are, they can count the number of peaks generated and divide this by the number of seconds over which they occur. This will tell how many fractures are produced in a second – and the more there are, the crispier the product.

Acoustic data can be measured and displayed in Exponent Connect software (as shown in the videos) in real time alongside mechanical measurements (force, distance and time) to identify certain events during a test and provide the 4th dimension in texture analysis. You can measure the fizz of a bath bomb as it disintegrates or the pop of a gel capsule when it is burst. This sound measurement provides another level of quantitative data on fractures or audible events that occur when a sample is deformed during testing.

What’s new in sound measurement?

The latest improvement is that Exponent Connect software can now process audio and synchronise this data as .wav files. These audio files greatly aid comprehension when analysing test results. Being able to hear the audio while seeing the audio data and Acoustic Envelope data helps you understand the nature of the data you are analysing.

Who’s been using the Acoustic Envelope Detector already?

The Acoustic Envelope Detector has been around since 2009 and in this time has been used in several patents, particularly in the area of food texture.

Get some ideas for your product testing from Google Scholar articles

Want to know more about measuring sound?

To get the competitive edge, you’ll need the tools to measure the results of your ‘noisy’ product development – a Texture Analyser attached to an Acoustic Envelope Detector is the solution when you’re ready to quantify your claims.

Visit the Acoustic Envelope Detector page for more detailed product information

Request an Acoustic Envelope Detector brochure

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplusC texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

Get in touch to discuss your specific test requirements