Acoustic technique to monitor the kinetics of porous development phenomena in viscoelastic media

In this paper, the potential of a low frequency acoustic technique for the study and characterisation of viscoelastic porous media is investigated. This work was based on the limits of ultrasonic applications in highly absorbent porous media. In this context, fermenting dough was used as a model propagation medium. This type of product has a very complex matrix in terms of texture, openings and moisture. The basic theory of sound in such matter is recalled, especially the effects of the scattering of sound energy in matrices like that of the product under investigation. Depending on the properties of the openings, acoustic velocity and intensity of sound were chosen to represent the state of evolution of the matter. A tap-test acoustic technique was employed and allowed a quality indicator to be obtained. The results of the validation step using various technological parameters indicate that a high degree of sensitivity can be reached with non-destructive acoustic techniques.

► We model a low frequency acoustic technique to characterise a highly absorbent porous media.
► The ultrasounds find its limit in such viscoelastic domain.
► Basic theory of sound gives useful information about the effects of the scattering in such matrix.
► Tap-test acoustic technique was employed and allowed a quality indicator to be obtained.