The effect of swirl and capsule rotation on the fluid mechanics of dry powder inhalers.

Abstract

This thesis presents findings from an extensive study into the dispersion mechanisms that drive the performance of Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) devices for pulmonary drug delivery. The design of DPIs and the subsequent air flow achieved play a critical role in powder deagglomeration which is necessary for lung deposition. The powder dispersion platforms fabricated for this contribution aim to explore the dynamic powder behaviour of swirl-based designs and capsule-based devices. High-speed microscopic imaging was employed within these devices to analyse the interactions between the air, device geometry, and the powder particles. This included quantifying powder dispersion using particle size measurements, and analysis of particle motion via particle tracking velocimetry.