NUMERICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON OPTIMAL TRANSPORT CONDITIONS FOR: NATURAL CONVECTION IN ENCLOSED CAVITIES, QUIESCENT CAVITATION IN SPRINGE-DRIVEN AUTO-INJECTORS, AND CONTROLLED RELEASE FROM SWELLING TABLETS

This thesis delves into the dynamics and driving factors of thermal transport via natural convection, the onset and severity of quiescent cavitation and its impact of auto-injector device performance, and the controlled release of rapidly swelling pharmaceutical tablets. In each of these instances showcases how variations in external conditions or the introduction of new variables can disrupt the equilibrium of fluid systems, leading to complex behaviors. Vertical thermal convection illustrates how temperature gradients induce fluid movement and patterns; cavitation inception focuses on the formation of vapor cavities due to pressure drops within a fluid; and rapid tablet swelling explores the interaction between solid materials and liquids, leading to significant changes in concentration and mass transfer. These studies collectively enhance our understanding of transport dynamics, highlighting pathways to achieve optimal transport and delivery conditions for various industrial and pharmaceutical processes.