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On the Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling to Design Improved Dry Powder Inhalers

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Abstract

Purpose

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to investigate the impact of adding a grid to a two-inlet dry powder inhaler (DPI). The purpose of the paper is to show the importance of the correct choice of closure model and modeling approach, as well as to perform validation against particle dispersion data obtained from in-vitro studies and flow velocity data obtained from particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments.

Methods

CFD simulations are performed using the Ansys Fluent 2020R1 software package. Two RANS turbulence models (realisable k − ε and k − ω SST) and the Stress Blended Eddy Simulation (SBES) models are considered. Lagrangian particle tracking for both carrier and fine particles is also performed.

Results

Excellent comparison with the PIV data is found for the SBES approach and the particle tracking data are consistent with the dispersion results, given the simplicity of the assumptions made.

Conclusions

This work shows the importance of selecting the correct turbulence modelling approach and boundary conditions to obtain good agreement with PIV data for the flow-field exiting the device. With this validated, the model can be used with much higher confidence to explore the fluid and particle dynamics within the device.

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Abbreviations

API:

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

CC:

Curvature Correction

CFD:

Computational Fluid Dynamics

DPI:

Dry Powder Inhaler

DPM:

Discrete Phase Model

FPF:

Fine Particle Fraction

LDV:

Laser Doppler Velocimetry

LES:

Large Eddy Simulation

LRN:

Low Reynolds Number

NSE:

Navier-Stokes Equations

PIV:

Particle Image Velocimetry

RANS:

Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes

SBES:

Stress Blended Eddy Simulation

SRS:

Scale-Resolving Simulation

SST:

Shear Stress Transport

URANS:

Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes

WALE:

Wall-Adapting Local Eddy-viscosity

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    David F Fletcher

  2. Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerospace and Combustion (LTRAC), Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Melbourne, Australia

    Vishal Chaugule & Julio Soria

  3. Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    Larissa Gomes dos Reis, Paul M Young & Daniela Traini

Authors
  1. David F Fletcher
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  2. Vishal Chaugule
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  3. Larissa Gomes dos Reis
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  4. Paul M Young
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  5. Daniela Traini
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  6. Julio Soria
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Correspondence to Vishal Chaugule.

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Fletcher, D.F., Chaugule, V., Gomes dos Reis, L. et al. On the Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling to Design Improved Dry Powder Inhalers. Pharm Res 38, 277–288 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-020-02981-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-020-02981-y

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