To better understand the observed differences in texture and
especially on melting attribute, we went a step further by exploring
the physical mechanisms underlying the melting sensory attribute
in the specific conditions of the test. Differences in perceived
melting were expected as we know that modulating the shape
plays a role on the heat transfer occurring in the mouth. The
dominating heat transfer mechanism is heat conduction across the
parts of the chocolate surface being in direct contact with the oral
surface (Fig. 6). Thus, a shape with a small initial contact surface
area (ex. the Sail) is expected to melt slower than a shape with large
contact surface area (ex. Round).