Contact Stresses in Gelatin Spheres Under Compressive Die Loading

What is it about?

when we choose fruit in the supermarket we often squeeze it to see if it is ripe. Commercially - automated squeezing machines do the same thing, measuring the resistance/softness in a controlled test. Bizarrely, when such tests are undertaken the tester only seems interested in where the measuring probe is placed, yet the fruit is actually being squeezed from the supporting surface too! This small study examines the way in which the mode of support alters the results of such tests and this may have implications on all fruit testing.

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Why is it important?

Clear differences exist between the stress distribution within model fruits supported on a flat plate and supported in a close fitting mould that fully supports the model to its equator. Differences exist in the elastic modulus of model fruits supported on a flat plate and supported in a close fitting mould that fully supports the model to its equator.