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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
06:34
Finite Element Modeling for the Simulation of the Quasi-Static Compression of Corrugated Tapered Tubes
Published on: January 6, 2023
Tensile stresses generated in pharmaceutical tablets by opposing compressive line loads
K R Drake1, J M Newton, S Mokhtary-Saghafi
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK. k.drake@meng.ucl.ac.uk
Summary
Tensile stress distribution in tablets under axial compression was studied. Load spreading significantly influences stress, and axial compression yields higher breaking loads than diametral compression for tablet materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Tablet splitting under compression is critical for drug formulation and manufacturing.
- Understanding tensile stress distribution is key to predicting tablet fracture behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate tensile stress distribution in circular and square tablets under axial compression.
- To analyze the effect of load spreading on stress distribution.
- To compare breaking loads under axial and diametral compression.
Main Methods:
- Analytical solutions for 2D rectangular strips were used to study through-thickness stress variations.
- Three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) examined stress variations across tablet diameter/breadth.
- Experimental tests were conducted on microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH102) tablets.
Main Results:
- Tensile stress magnitude varies significantly within the tablets.
- Load spreading critically influences stress distribution in the through-thickness direction.
- Experimental results indicated higher breaking loads for axial compression compared to diametral compression.
Conclusions:
- Accurate evaluation of tablet material tensile strength requires knowledge of platen contact width.
- Axial compression is a more robust test for determining tablet strength.
- FEA and analytical methods provide valuable insights into tablet mechanical behavior.
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