Numerical analysis of the density distribution within scored tablets

Scored tablets provide dose flexibility, ease of swallowing and cost savings. However, some problems with scored tablets can be confronted like difficulty of breaking, unequally breaking and loss of mass upon breaking. This paper investigates the effect of score lines on the density distribution using continuum modelling. In keeping with previous work in the pharmaceutical field, a modified Drucker Prager Cap model is described briefly and used in the simulations. Coulomb friction is included between powder and tools. The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) Vivapur® 102 was used to identify the model parameters using experimental tests with instrumented die, shear cell and diametrical crushing. The obtained results indicate that simulations may be useful not only to determine density distributions within tablets, but also may provide indications about performance of score lines.