Effects of Spacer Devices in pMDI Drug Delivery with Ansys Fluent Software
This tutorial demonstrates how Multiphysics simulation using Ansys Fluent® fluid simulation software and Ansys Discovery™ 3D product simulation software optimizes pMDI drug delivery using spacer devices. The resource covers the physics fundamentals of pressurized metered-dose inhalers and provides a step-by-step simulation setup guide. Comparing experimental data with simulated results—both with and without spacers—the study quantifies performance improvements: spacer geometry reduces oropharyngeal deposition while increasing lung delivery efficiency. Critical parameters are examined, including particle size, trajectory behavior, inhalation flow rates, and geometric influences on particle deposition. Detailed postprocessing techniques reveal how device design directly impacts drug deposition patterns. This methodology enables engineers to predict delivery performance and optimize device configurations before physical prototyping, reducing development costs and accelerating time to market.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the primary Physics of Discrete Phase Modelling and Species Transport for Drug Delivery (pMDI)
- Know how set up a Multiphysics Simulation for Continuous Phase and Discrete Phase Modeling
- Appreciate the importance of In-Silico technologies for Drug Delivery Studies
Applicable Courses for Use
- Fluid Mechanics
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Advanced Fluid Mechanics
Downloadable Content
- Tutorial PowerPoint file
- Discovery file (Geometry)
- Fluent Files (Mesh, Case and Data, Transient Videos, Plots)
Related Resources
Simulate the Human Respiratory System using Ansys Fluent Software