Abstract: The system and method for acoustic characterization of solid materials provides for the characterizing a solid sample based on an acoustic intensity spectrum of an attenuated acoustic signal transmitted through the solid sample. In use, a database of known intensity spectra associated with a plurality of solid materials is first formed. An acoustic generator is then positioned against a first surface of the sample to be tested. An acoustic sensor is positioned against a second surface of the sample to be tested, and the acoustic generator generates an acoustic signal having a fixed intensity. An intensity spectrum of an attenuated acoustic signal transmitted through the sample is measured with the acoustic sensor, and the measured intensity spectrum of the attenuated acoustic signal is compared against the database of known intensity spectra to determine at least one material forming the sample.

Abstract: The device for testing food quality is a device for measuring the state of decay of a piece of food based upon measured electrical potential. The device includes a needle probe having an outer cylindrical shell formed from a first metal, such as stainless steel, and a wire mounted coaxially within the outer cylindrical shell. The wire is formed from a second metal, such as copper. A measuring device for electrical potential, such as a voltmeter, is further provided and is in communication with the needle probe. The device forms a galvanic cell when the probe is inserted into the food, the cell potential decreasing as a function of time in a manner corresponding to the state of decay of the piece of the food.