On the optimisation of a texture analyser in squeeze flow geometry

This paper describes how the range of application of a texture analyser, used for mechanical tests of solids and liquids in the food and cosmetics industry, can be extended to reproduce squeeze flow geometry. It describes the necessary optimisation of the device to ensure parallelism and thermal regulation of the plates during tests. The error on the load cell and the instrument compliance are evaluated. The influence of these artefact measurements is investigated in terms of interpretation of rheological properties of materials.