Development of a computational fluid dynamics model of a jet nebulizer device for aerosol drug delivery

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A nebulizer is a type of drug delivery device that provides medication in the form of an aerosol that can be**inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. They are typically used to treat respiratory illnesses**such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and asthma. Nebulizers operate by taking a medication in**liquid form, transforming it into small aerosol droplets of a particular size, and delivering those droplets to the**mouth of the patient for inhalation. There are several different types of nebulizer, the most common of which is**the jet nebulizer, which will be studied during the proposed project. These operate through the use of a**high-speed jet of compressed gas, which entrains the liquid and converts it to an aerosol, typically by colliding**the liquid droplets with a baffle.**This project seeks to provide a better understanding of the operation of jet nebulizers from a fluid mechanics**perspective. To provide this understanding, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is being developed**and validated to model the flow patterns in the device, and their role in the formation and delivery of aerosol**particles. This will allow for optimization of nebulizer devices, which can lead to better utilization of the drug**and shorter treatment times for patients. This particular phase of the project is focused on validation of the CFD**model using experimental methods, and subsequent improvement of the model developed in the previous**phase. Ultimately, by improving the medical devices that treat respiratory illnesses, the patients' conditions can**be better managed, allowing them to lead better lives.