A reproduction of the human masticatory system is presented here to evaluate mechanical properties of foods, relevant design elements of the simulator, and the overall practicality of the system. The model incorporates a cam-driven linkage system providing realistic motion of the mandible, with reaction forces measured by strain gages on two axes to record real time changes in food structure. The experiment demonstrates that the construction of a mastication simulator is feasible and allows texture profiling and discrimination between similar foods.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• McGarry, Justin Ochoa
• Spangenberger, Anthony George

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042612-121524

Advisor

• Shivkumar, Satya

Year

• 2012

Date created

• 2012-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright