A numerical investigation of the kinematic and fluid dynamic behaviour of an intramuscular autoinjector designed for optimising injection efficiency

Abstract

The usability and versatility of autoinjectors in managing chronic and autoimmune diseases have made them increasingly attractive in medicine. However, investigations into autoinjector designs require an understanding of the kinematic properties and fluid behaviour during injection. To optimise injection efficiency, this study develops a mathematical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of an IM autoinjector by investigating the effects of viscosity, needle length, needle diameter, and medication volume on the injection process. The model was verified and validated using a comparator experiment and optimised using a parameter sensitivity analysis. The mathematical model results show plunger displacement increases linearly in low viscous fluids (v < 20 cP), allowing faster injections. CFD simulations show that high-viscosity fluids (v > 20 cP) reduce injectability and increase syringeability. Needle gauges below 20 exhibited constant dynamic pressure and negligible shear stress, while gauges between 20 and 25 showed higher shear stress and pressure variability. Longer needles and larger medication volumes increase dynamic pressure and shear stress, prolonging injection time. The mathematical and CFD models matched experimental measurements within a 1.1 % and 4.8 % margin of error, respectively. These findings inform the design of efficient autoinjectors, enhancing drug delivery, patient comfort, and compliance.