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3D Simulation of Internal Tablet Strength During Tableting

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Abstract

This study presents a new approach to model powder compression during tableting. The purpose of this study is to introduce a new discrete element simulation model for particle–particle bond formation during tablet compression. This model served as the basis for calculating tablet strength distribution during a compression cycle. Simulated results were compared with real tablets compressed from microcrystalline cellulose/theophylline pellets with various compression forces. Simulated and experimental compression forces increased similarly. Tablet-breaking forces increased with the calculated strengths obtained from the simulations. The calculated bond strength distribution inside the tablets showed features similar to those of the density and pressure distributions in the literature. However, the bond strength distributions at the center of the tablets varied considerably between individual tablets.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014, Finland

    Simo Matti Siiriä, Osmo Antikainen, Jyrki Heinämäki & Jouko Yliruusi

  2. Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia

    Jyrki Heinämäki

Authors
  1. Simo Matti Siiriä
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  2. Osmo Antikainen
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  3. Jyrki Heinämäki
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  4. Jouko Yliruusi
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Correspondence to Simo Matti Siiriä.

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Siiriä, S.M., Antikainen, O., Heinämäki, J. et al. 3D Simulation of Internal Tablet Strength During Tableting. AAPS PharmSciTech 12, 593–603 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-011-9623-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-011-9623-0

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