Effect of sample thickness on the bite force for apples

The thickness of a piece of food and its mechanical properties affected the bite force. A multiple-point sheet sensor was used to measure the bite force applied to apple specimens of various thicknesses during the first bite with incisors. The results of wedge penetration tests on the same samples were compared with results of the bite measurements. The maximum bite force increased with the sample thickness for two apple varieties, though the maximum load measured by the wedge penetration test did not change. Therefore, it is important to consider that not only the mechanical properties but also the thickness of the sample affects the required bite force.