Aerosol-generating article having multiple strands of aerosol-generating material

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating articles (1, 2, 3, 4) for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating articles (1, 2, 3, 4) include an aerosol-generating section (12). The aerosol-generating section (12) includes an aerosol-generating substrate including multiple strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating articles (1, 2, 3, 4) include a downstream section (14) located downstream from the aerosol-generating section (12), the downstream section (14) including a support element (20) having an upstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section (12). The support element (20) includes openings (21, 23) at its end. The ratio of the width of the openings (21, 23) to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material can be about 20 or less. The aerosol-generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) also includes an upstream section (32) located upstream of the aerosol-generation section, the upstream section (32) including an upstream element (34) having a downstream end abutting the aerosol-generation section (12).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article, preferably comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. One purpose of such "heat-and-burn" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce certain smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and thermal decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0003] Typically, in heated aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by the heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form the aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0004] Numerous handheld aerosol generating devices configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article are known in the art. These devices include electrically operated aerosol generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol generating devices typically include a battery or other power source, control electronics, and one or more electric heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article that are specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device.

[0005] Some known electrically operated aerosol generating devices include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO2020 / 115151A1 discloses an aerosol generating system including an aerosol-generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device including an external heating element surrounding the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] Other known electrically operated aerosol generating devices include an internal heating element configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, WO 2013 / 098410 A2 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device including a heating element in the form of a blade that is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] Electrically operated aerosol generating devices including an inductor configured to inductively heat the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article are also known in the art. For example, WO 2015 / 176898 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an electrically operated aerosol generating device having an inductor for generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field, and an aerosol-generating article having an internal susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. During use, the alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces a current in the susceptor, causing it to heat. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of sheets of homogenized tobacco material or other aerosol-forming material.

[0008] As described in WO 2015 / 176898 A1, direct contact between an internal heating element of an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating substrate can provide an efficient means for heating the aerosol-generating substrate to form an inhalable aerosol. In such a configuration, heat from the internal heating element can be transferred almost instantaneously to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate when the internal heating element is activated, thereby facilitating rapid generation of an aerosol. Furthermore, the overall heating energy required to generate an aerosol can be lower than in aerosol-generating systems with external heating elements in which the aerosol-generating substrate is not in direct contact with an external heating element and initial heating of the aerosol-generating substrate occurs primarily by convection or radiation. When the internal heating element is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, initial heating of the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate in direct contact with the internal heating element occurs primarily by conduction.

[0009] Heated aerosol-generating articles designed for use with electrically operated aerosol-generating devices are typically inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device to be heated. This can cause the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to become detached. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate during use of the aerosol-generating article can result in the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating substrate drying out, which can make the aerosol-generating material more susceptible to detachment. During use of the aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating material that has become detached from the aerosol-generating substrate can become detached from the aerosol-generating article. As a result, the amount and location of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating substrate can change during use of the aerosol-generating article. This can adversely affect the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user. During use of the aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating material that has become detached from the aerosol-generating substrate can fall into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. Aerosol-generating material that has become detached from the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article and fallen into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device can prevent or inhibit optimal functioning of the aerosol-generating device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device that improves the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user compared to known heated tobacco products. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device that enables the aerosol-generating device to function optimally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article, preferably an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section may include an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may include multiple strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section may include a support element having an upstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section. The support element may have an opening at the end of the support element. The ratio of the width of the opening to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The aerosol-generating article may include an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section may include an upstream element having a downstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section.

[0012] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article, preferably an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section comprises an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises multiple strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating article includes a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section includes a support element having an upstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section. The support element includes an opening at one end of the support element. The ratio of the width of the opening to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The aerosol-generating article includes an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section includes an upstream element having a downstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section.

[0013] Providing a downstream support element having an opening at one of its ends and a ratio of the width of the opening to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material of about 20 or less can reduce the risk of stray aerosol-generating material migrating further downstream toward the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. Such a ratio can ensure that the opening is sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent such migration. While the opening may be large enough for the strands to pass through, internal packing friction between the strands within the aerosol-generating section and obstruction by other adjacent strands may also play a role in preventing such migration. However, such a ratio can ensure that the opening is sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent and reduce such migration while maintaining an acceptable resistance to withdrawal (RTD) for the entire article, so that the impact on the consumer experience can be minimized. Furthermore, the strands typically have an average length significantly longer than their average width. Therefore, in order for strands protruding from the opening to travel further downstream, they must travel a distance equivalent to their average length with relative difficulty.

[0014] By providing an upstream element upstream of the aerosol-generation section, aerosol-generating material that has become detached from the aerosol-generating substrate during transport or handling of the aerosol-generating article can be prevented or limited from exiting the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article or into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device during use of the aerosol-generating article. By providing the upstream element in addition to the downstream support element, the aerosol-generation section is effectively sandwiched between the upstream element and the downstream support element to reduce migration of aerosol-generating material both upstream and downstream of the aerosol-generation section while maintaining an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD) throughout the article, so that impact on the consumer experience can be minimized.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article that includes a heated aerosol-generating substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol that is delivered to a user.

[0016] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate that includes an aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that, upon heating, can generate an aerosol.

[0017] As used herein, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. An aerosol may be visible or invisible. An aerosol may include not only vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature, but also solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0018] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0019] The aerosol-generating article has a proximal end through which, in use, the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. In use, a user directly or indirectly breathes on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] The aerosol-generating article has a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0021] Components of an aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative location between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0022] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" is used to describe the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. In use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0024] The term "transverse direction," as used herein, is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise specified, a "cross section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross section.

[0025] As used herein, the term "width" is used to describe the largest transverse dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article. When an aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. When a component of an aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol-generating article.

[0026] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article in directions perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0027] As used herein, the term "elongated" is used to describe a component or element whose length is greater than its width and thickness. For example, the length of an elongated component or element can be at least twice its width. An elongated component or element can have a width that is substantially the same as its thickness. For example, an elongated element can be substantially square in cross section or substantially circular in cross section. An elongated component or element can have a width that is greater than its thickness. For example, an elongated element can have a substantially rectangular cross section, or a substantially oval or substantially elliptical cross section.

[0028] As used herein in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate, the term "strand" refers to an elongated element of aerosol-generating material having a length that is substantially greater than the width and thickness of the aerosol-generating material.

[0029] As used herein in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate, the term "density" refers to the bulk density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. The density of the aerosol-generating substrate is calculated by dividing the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article by the volume occupied by the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article is substantially cylindrical, with the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate surrounded by a wrapper, the density of the aerosol-generating substrate is equal to the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the volume of the cylinder surrounded by the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0030] As used herein, the term "susceptor element" is used to describe an element that includes a susceptor material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating or fluctuating electromagnetic field, the susceptor element heats up due to at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor element.

[0031] As used herein, the term "nicotine" is used to refer to nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amount of nicotine recited herein is the amount of free base nicotine or the amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0032] As used herein, the term "tobacco cut filler" is used to describe an aerosol-generating substrate comprising multiple strands of tobacco lamina. When the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler, the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler.

[0033] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate plant material. Homogenized plant material may be formed by agglomerating particles of plant material obtained by grinding, crushing, or pulverizing the plant material. Homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, a papermaking process, or other suitable process known in the art.

[0034] As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco material.

[0035] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially diluted cross-linked material that does not exhibit flowability at steady state.

[0036] As used herein, the term "heat transfer enhancement element" is used to refer to an element that has a thermal conductivity at 25 degrees Celsius that is greater than the thermal conductivity of multiple strands of aerosol-generating material at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0037] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to describe a substantially cylindrical element having a lumen along its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular element may be substantially circular, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical in cross section. The lumen may be substantially circular, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical in cross section. Specifically, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to describe an element that defines at least one airflow conduit that establishes uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the hollow tubular element and a downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0038] In the context of the present disclosure, a hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of resistance to withdrawal (RTD). As used herein, the term "negligible RTD" is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mmH2O per 10 millimeters of hollow tubular element length, less than 0.4 mmH2O per 10 millimeters of hollow tubular element length, or less than 0.1 mmH2O per 10 millimeters of hollow tubular element length. Thus, the flow channel should not include any components that would impede longitudinal air flow. The flow path may be substantially empty.

[0039] As used herein, the term "ventilation level" refers to the volume ratio of the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the greater the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the user.

[0040] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-generating substrate listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-generating material listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating material.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, average values ​​listed herein are arithmetic means.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is measured at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article or component at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second, at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60% in accordance with ISO 6565-2015.

[0044] As used herein, the RTD per unit length of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is equal to the RTD of the aerosol-generating article divided by the length of the aerosol-generating article, or the RTD of the component divided by the length of the component, respectively.

[0045] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of at least 35 millimeters, at least 38 millimeters, at least 40 millimeters, or at least 42 millimeters.

[0046] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 100 millimeters or less, 70 millimeters or less, 60 millimeters or less, or 50 millimeters or less.

[0047] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 35 millimeters to 100 millimeters, 35 millimeters to 70 millimeters, 35 millimeters to 60 millimeters, or 35 millimeters to 50 millimeters.

[0048] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 38 millimeters to 100 millimeters, 38 millimeters to 70 millimeters, 38 millimeters to 60 millimeters, or 38 millimeters to 50 millimeters.

[0049] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 40 millimeters to 100 millimeters, 40 millimeters to 70 millimeters, 40 millimeters to 60 millimeters, or 40 millimeters to 50 millimeters.

[0050] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 42 millimeters to 100 millimeters, 42 millimeters to 70 millimeters, 42 millimeters to 60 millimeters, or 42 millimeters to 50 millimeters.

[0051] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 45 millimeters.

[0052] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical.

[0053] The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, or at least 7 millimeters.

[0055] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 12 millimeters or less, 10 millimeters or less, or 8 millimeters or less.

[0056] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters, 6 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0058] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 7 millimeters to 12 millimeters, 7 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 7 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0059] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 7.1 millimeters, or an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters.

[0060] The aerosol-generation section may be at least 4 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, at least 8 millimeters, or at least 10 millimeters in length.

[0061] The aerosol-generation section may be no greater than 60 millimeters, no greater than 45 millimeters, no greater than 35 millimeters, no greater than 25 millimeters, or no greater than 15 millimeters in length.

[0062] The aerosol-generation section may be between 4 millimeters and 60 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 45 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 35 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 4 millimeters and 15 millimeters in length.

[0063] The aerosol-generation section may be between 6 mm and 60 mm, between 6 mm and 45 mm, between 6 mm and 35 mm, between 6 mm and 25 mm, or between 6 mm and 15 mm in length.

[0064] The aerosol-generation section may be between 8 millimeters and 60 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 45 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 35 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters in length.

[0065] The aerosol-generation section may be between 10 millimeters and 60 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 45 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 35 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 10 millimeters and 15 millimeters in length.

[0066] For example, the aerosol-generation section may be 11 millimeters in length, or 12 millimeters in length.

[0067] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating section to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0068] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating section to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.60 or less, 0.50 or less, 0.40 or less, 0.35 or less, or 0.30 or less.

[0069] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating section to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.60, 0.10 to 0.50, 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0070] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating section to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.15 to 0.60, 0.15 to 0.50, 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.15 to 0.30.

[0071] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating section to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 to 0.60, 0.20 to 0.50, 0.20 to 0.40, 0.20 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.30.

[0072] For example, the ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating section to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.27.

[0073] The aerosol-generation section may be substantially cylindrical.

[0074] The aerosol-generation section may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0075] The aerosol-generating section may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0076] The aerosol-generation section may have an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, or at least 7 millimeters.

[0077] The aerosol-generation section may have an outer diameter of 12 millimeters or less, 10 millimeters or less, or 8 millimeters or less.

[0078] The aerosol-generation section may have an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0079] The aerosol-generation section may have an outer diameter of 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters, 6 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0080] The aerosol-generation section may have an outer diameter of 7 millimeters to 12 millimeters, 7 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 7 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0081] For example, the aerosol-generation section may have an outer diameter of 7 millimeters, or 7.1 millimeters.

[0082] The RTD of the aerosol-generation section can be at least 4 millimeters H2O, at least 5 millimeters H2O, or at least 6 millimeters H2O.

[0083] The RTD of the aerosol-generation section can be 25 millimeters H2O or less, 20 millimeters H2O or less, or 15 millimeters H2O or less.

[0084] The RTD of the aerosol-generation section can be 10 millimeters H2O or less, 9 millimeters H2O or less, or 8 millimeters H2O or less.

[0085] The RTD in the aerosol-generation section can be 4 millimeters HO to 25 millimeters HO, 4 millimeters HO to 20 millimeters HO, or 4 millimeters HO to 20 millimeters HO.

[0086] The RTD in the aerosol-generation section can be 4 millimeters HO to 10 millimeters HO, 4 millimeters HO to 9 millimeters HO, or 4 millimeters HO to 8 millimeters HO.

[0087] The RTD in the aerosol-generation section can be 5 millimeters HO to 25 millimeters HO, 5 millimeters HO to 20 millimeters HO, or 5 millimeters HO to 15 millimeters HO.

[0088] The RTD in the aerosol-generation section can be 5 millimeters HO to 10 millimeters HO, 5 millimeters HO to 9 millimeters HO, or 5 millimeters HO to 8 millimeters HO.

[0089] The RTD in the aerosol-generation section can be 6 millimeters HO to 25 millimeters HO, 6 millimeters HO to 20 millimeters HO, or 6 millimeters HO to 15 millimeters HO.

[0090] The RTD in the aerosol-generation section can be 6 millimeters HO to 10 millimeters HO, 6 millimeters HO to 9 millimeters HO, or 6 millimeters HO to 8 millimeters HO.

[0091] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or at least 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0092] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, or 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0093] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0094] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0095] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0096] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0097] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0098] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of at least 120 milligrams, at least 130 milligrams, at least 140 milligrams, at least 150 milligrams, or at least 160 milligrams.

[0099] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 340 milligrams or less, 310 milligrams or less, 280 milligrams or less, 250 milligrams or less, or 220 milligrams or less.

[0100] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 120 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 120 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0101] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 130 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 130 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0102] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 140 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 140 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0103] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 150 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 150 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0104] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 160 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 160 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0105] The aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0106] The multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be randomly oriented within the aerosol-generation section, which, in use, may help to retain the generated aerosol within the aerosol-generation section between draws.

[0107] The multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be arranged substantially parallel to one another within the aerosol-generating section.

[0108] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be substantially longitudinally disposed within the aerosol-generation section, i.e., the longitudinal axes of the strands of aerosol-generating material may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation section. For example, the longitudinal axes of the strands of aerosol-generating material may be within ±10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation section.

[0109] The aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a paper wrapper. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by plug wrap.

[0110] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of at least 0.5 millimeters, at least 1 millimeter, at least 2 millimeters, or at least 5.

[0111] The average length of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0112] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 80 millimeters or less, 50 millimeters or less, 30 millimeters or less, 25 millimeters or less, 20 millimeters or less, or 15 millimeters or less.

[0113] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 0.5 millimeters to 80 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 50 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 30 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 25 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 20 millimeters, or 0.5 millimeters to 15 millimeters.

[0114] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 1 millimeter to 80 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 50 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 30 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 25 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, or 1 millimeter to 15 millimeters.

[0115] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 2 millimeters to 80 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 50 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 30 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 25 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, or 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters.

[0116] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 5 millimeters to 30 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters.

[0117] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may be 11 millimeters long or 12 millimeters long.

[0118] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be substantially the same length.

[0119] The length of the strand of aerosol-generating material may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-generating section.

[0120] The length of the strand of aerosol-generating material may be determined by the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating section, in which a longer section is cut to form a plurality of shorter sections.

[0121] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of at least 0.1 millimeter, at least 0.3 millimeter, at least 0.4 millimeter, at least 0.5 millimeter, or at least 0.6 millimeter.

[0122] The average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0123] When the aerosol-generating substrate is a tobacco cut filler, the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler, which is equal to the sum of the individual cut widths of each of the strands of tobacco lamina in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of tobacco lamina in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0124] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 5 millimeters or less, 2 millimeters or less, 1.5 millimeters or less, 1.2 millimeters or less, or 0.9 millimeters or less.

[0125] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0126] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.3 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.3 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0127] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.4 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.4 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.4 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.4 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.4 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0128] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.5 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.5 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0129] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.6 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.6 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0130] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.7 millimeters or 0.8 millimeters.

[0131] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness that is substantially the same as their average width.

[0132] The average thickness of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0133] When the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler, the thickness of the plurality of strands of tobacco lamina is equal to the thickness of the tobacco lamina.

[0134] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0135] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width that is greater than their average thickness.

[0136] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0137] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of at least 0.1 millimeters, at least 0.15 millimeters, at least 0.18 millimeters, or at least 0.2 millimeters.

[0138] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 2 millimeters or less, 1 millimeter or less, 0.6 millimeters or less, or 0.3 millimeters or less.

[0139] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.1 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.1 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0140] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.15 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.15 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.15 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.15 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0141] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.18 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.18 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.18 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.18 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0142] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.2 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.2 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.2 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.2 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0143] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.25 millimeters.

[0144] The aerosol-generating material may be a plant material.

[0145] The aerosol-generating material can be a non-tobacco plant material. Examples of suitable non-tobacco plant materials include hemp material, ginger material, eucalyptus material, clove material, and star anise material.

[0146] The aerosol-generating material may be a tobacco material.

[0147] The aerosol-generating substrate may be tobacco cut filler.The aerosol-generating material may be tobacco cut filler.

[0148] The aerosol-generating material may be homogenized plant material.

[0149] The strands of homogenized plant material may be formed by cutting or shredding a sheet of homogenized plant material. The strands of homogenized plant material may also be formed by other methods. For example, the strands of homogenized plant material may be formed by extrusion.

[0150] The aerosol-generating material can be a homogenized non-tobacco plant material.

[0151] The aerosol-generating material may be a homogenized tobacco material.

[0152] The aerosol-generating material may be a gel material.

[0153] The strands of gel material may be formed by cutting or shredding a sheet of gel material. The strands of gel material may be formed by other methods. For example, the strands of gel material may be formed by extrusion.

[0154] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol former.

[0155] The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use, and may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically encountered during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0156] Examples of suitable aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0157] The aerosol former may include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerin. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0158] The aerosol-generating material may contain at least 1 weight percent aerosol formers, at least 5 weight percent aerosol formers, at least 10 weight percent aerosol formers, or at least 15 weight percent aerosol formers, i.e., the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-former content of at least 1 weight percent, at least 5 weight percent, at least 10 weight percent, or at least 15 weight percent.

[0159] The aerosol-generating material may contain 30 weight percent or less of aerosol formers, 25 weight percent or less of aerosol formers, or 20 weight percent or less of aerosol formers. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-former content of 30 weight percent or less, 25 weight percent or less, or 20 weight percent or less.

[0160] The aerosol-generating material can include between 1 and 30 percent by weight of aerosol formers, between 1 and 25 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or between 1 and 20 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0161] The aerosol-generating material may comprise between 5 and 30 weight percent aerosol formers, between 5 and 25 weight percent aerosol formers, or between 5 and 20 weight percent aerosol formers.

[0162] The aerosol-generating material can include 10 to 30 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 10 to 25 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 10 to 20 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0163] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 15 to 30 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 15 to 25 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 15 to 20 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0164] The aerosol-generating material may comprise at least 50 percent by weight of aerosol formers, at least 60 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or at least 70 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0165] The aerosol-generating material may comprise up to 85% by weight of aerosol formers, up to 80% by weight of aerosol formers, or up to 75% by weight of aerosol formers.

[0166] The aerosol-generating material can include 50 to 85 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 50 to 80 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 50 to 75 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0167] The aerosol-generating material can include 60 to 85 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 60 to 80 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 60 to 75 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0168] The aerosol-generating material can include 70 to 85 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 70 to 80 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 70 to 75 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0169] The aerosol-generating material may include nicotine.

[0170] The aerosol-generating material may include natural nicotine, or synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural and synthetic nicotine.

[0171] The aerosol-generating material may contain at least 0.5 weight percent nicotine, at least 1 weight percent nicotine, at least 1.5 weight percent nicotine, or at least 2 weight percent nicotine, i.e., the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of at least 0.5 weight percent, at least 1 weight percent, at least 1.5 weight percent, or at least 2 weight percent.

[0172] The aerosol-generating material may contain 10 weight percent or less nicotine, 8 weight percent or less nicotine, 6 weight percent or less nicotine, or 4 weight percent or less nicotine. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of 10 weight percent or less, 8 weight percent or less, 6 weight percent or less, or 4 weight percent or less.

[0173] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 0.5 to 10 weight percent nicotine, 0.5 to 8 weight percent nicotine, 0.5 to 6 weight percent nicotine, or 0.5 to 4 weight percent nicotine.

[0174] The aerosol-generating material may comprise between 1 and 10 percent by weight nicotine, between 1 and 8 percent by weight nicotine, between 1 and 6 percent by weight nicotine, or between 1 and 4 percent by weight nicotine.

[0175] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 1.5 to 10 weight percent nicotine, 1.5 to 8 weight percent nicotine, 1.5 to 6 weight percent nicotine, or 1.5 to 4 weight percent nicotine.

[0176] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 2 to 10 weight percent nicotine, 2 to 8 weight percent nicotine, 2 to 6 weight percent nicotine, or 2 to 4 weight percent nicotine.

[0177] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple strands of aerosol-generating material of substantially the same composition, for example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple strands of homogenized tobacco material of substantially the same composition.

[0178] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, the first composition being different from the second composition. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of homogenized tobacco material having a first composition and one or more strands of gel material having a second composition.

[0179] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions, at least one of the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-former content of the above-mentioned weight percent. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, where the first composition is different from the second composition, and at least one of the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material has an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more strands of the first aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight and one or more strands of the second aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-former content of 50 to 85 percent by weight.

[0180] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating material of different compositions, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol-former content of the above weight percents. For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 weight percent, 5 to 25 weight percent, or 5 to 20 weight percent. For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol-former content of 50 to 85 weight percent, 50 to 80 weight percent, or 50 to 75 weight percent.

[0181] The average aerosol-former content of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual aerosol-former contents, in weight percent, of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate, divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0182] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions, each of the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-former content of the above-mentioned weight percents. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, the first composition being different from the second composition, and the first aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 weight percent and the second aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 weight percent.

[0183] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions, at least one of the strands of aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of the above-mentioned weight percent. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, where the first composition is different from the second composition, and at least one of the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material has a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 percent by weight. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 percent by weight and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0 percent by weight.

[0184] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands of aerosol-generating material of different compositions, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol nicotine content in the weight percent ranges described above. For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 weight percent, 0.5 to 8 weight percent, 0.5 to 6 weight percent, or 0.5 to 4 weight percent.

[0185] The average nicotine content of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual nicotine contents, in weight percent, of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0186] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands of aerosol-generating material of different compositions, each of the strands of aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of the above-mentioned percentages by weight. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, the first composition being different from the second composition, the first aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 percent by weight, and the second aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 percent by weight.

[0187] The aerosol-generation section may include a heat transfer enhancement element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0188] The heat transfer enhancement element may be in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0189] The heat transfer enhancement element may advantageously be in direct contact with the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0190] The heat transfer enhancement element may enhance heat transfer from the internal heating element to the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0191] The heat transfer enhancement element may enhance heat transfer between multiple strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0192] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of at least 0.15 W / (mK), at least 0.2 W / (mK), at least 0.25 W / (mK), or at least 0.3 W / (mK).

[0193] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 1700 W / (mK) or less, 1600 W / (mK) or less, or 1500 W / (mK) or less.

[0194] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.15 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.15 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.15 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0195] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.2 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.2 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.2 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0196] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.25 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.25 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.25 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0197] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.3 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.3 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.3 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0198] The heat transfer enhancement element may include one or more thermally conductive materials. The heat transfer enhancement element may include one or more metals, one or more alloys, one or more carbon-containing materials, or combinations thereof. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element may include one or more of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, tungsten, stainless steel, diamond, graphene, graphite, and expanded graphite.

[0199] The heat transfer enhancement element may include an aerosol former.

[0200] Examples of suitable aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0201] The aerosol former may include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerin. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0202] The heat transfer enhancement element may comprise a plurality of individual thermally conductive elements, which may be substantially uniformly distributed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0203] The heat transfer element may include a plurality of thermally conductive particles. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element may include a plurality of metal particles, a plurality of alloy particles, a plurality of carbon-containing particles, such as graphene particles, graphite particles, and expanded graphite particles, or a combination thereof. The thermally conductive particles may include an aerosol former.

[0204] The heat transfer element can include a plurality of thermally conductive strands. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element can include a plurality of strands of metal foil, such as aluminum foil or copper foil, a plurality of strands of alloy foil, such as stainless steel foil, a plurality of strands of carbon-containing foil, such as graphite foil, or a combination thereof. The thermally conductive strands can include an aerosol former.

[0205] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may include an internal heating element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0206] The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may include an internal heating element for insertion within the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0207] The internal heating element may be in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. In use, heat from the internal heating element may be transferred to the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0208] The internal heating element may advantageously be in direct contact with the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0209] The internal heating element can be at least 4 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, at least 8 millimeters, or at least 10 millimeters in length.

[0210] The internal heating element can be 45 millimeters or less, 35 millimeters or less, 25 millimeters or less, or 15 millimeters or less in length.

[0211] The internal heating element can be 4 millimeters to 45 millimeters, 4 millimeters to 35 millimeters, 4 millimeters to 25 millimeters, or 4 millimeters to 15 millimeters in length.

[0212] The internal heating element can be 6 millimeters to 45 millimeters, 6 millimeters to 35 millimeters, 6 millimeters to 25 millimeters, or 6 millimeters to 15 millimeters in length.

[0213] The internal heating element can be 8 millimeters to 45 millimeters, 8 millimeters to 35 millimeters, 8 millimeters to 25 millimeters, or 8 millimeters to 15 millimeters in length.

[0214] The internal heating element can be 10 millimeters to 45 millimeters, 10 millimeters to 35 millimeters, 10 millimeters to 25 millimeters, or 10 millimeters to 15 millimeters in length.

[0215] For example, the internal heating element can be 11 millimeters in length, or 12 millimeters in length.

[0216] For example, the susceptor element can be 11 millimeters in length or 12 millimeters in length.

[0217] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0218] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0219] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may include multiple internal heating elements of different lengths disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first length disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first length being different from the second length.

[0220] The aerosol-generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements for insertion within the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0221] The aerosol-generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0222] The aerosol-generating device may include multiple internal heating elements of different lengths for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first length for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, the first length being different from the second length.

[0223] When there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a length in millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first length and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second length, and at least one of the first length and the second length is between 4 millimeters and 45 millimeters.

[0224] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average length in millimeters, as described above, for example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average length of 4 mm to 45 mm, 4 mm to 35 mm, 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0225] The average length of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0226] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a length in millimeters, as described above, for example, a length of 4 millimeters to 45 millimeters.

[0227] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be at least 0.04, at least 0.07, at least 0.10, at least 0.12, at least 0.15, at least 0.20, or at least 0.25.

[0228] The ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 7 or less, 4 or less, 1 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, or 0.5 or less.

[0229] The ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.04 to 7, 0.04 to 4, 0.04 to 1, 0.04 to 0.8, 0.04 to 0.7, 0.04 to 0.6, or 0.04 to 0.5.

[0230] The ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.07 to 7, 0.07 to 4, 0.07 to 1, 0.07 to 0.8, 0.07 to 0.7, 0.07 to 0.6, or 0.07 to 0.5.

[0231] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.10 to 7, 0.10 to 4, 0.10 to 1, 0.10 to 0.8, 0.10 to 0.7, 0.10 to 0.6, or 0.10 to 0.5.

[0232] The ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.12 to 7, 0.12 to 4, 0.12 to 1, 0.12 to 0.8, 0.12 to 0.7, 0.12 to 0.6, or 0.12 to 0.5.

[0233] The ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element can be 0.15 to 7, 0.15 to 4, 0.15 to 1, 0.15 to 0.8, 0.15 to 0.7, 0.15 to 0.6, or 0.15 to 0.5.

[0234] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.20 to 7, 0.20 to 4, 0.20 to 1, 0.20 to 0.8, 0.20 to 0.7, 0.20 to 0.6, or 0.20 to 0.5.

[0235] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first length and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second length, and the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to at least one of the first length and the second length is 0.04 to 7.

[0236] When multiple internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average length of the multiple internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average length of the multiple internal heating elements may be 0.04 to 7, 0.04 to 4, 0.04 to 1, 0.04 to 0.8, 0.04 to 0.7, 0.04 to 0.6, or 0.04 to 0.5.

[0237] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of each of the internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of each of the internal heating elements may be 0.04 to 7.

[0238] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0239] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.40 or less, 0.35 or less, or 0.30 or less.

[0240] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0241] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.15 to 0.30.

[0242] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 to 0.40, 0.20 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.30.

[0243] For example, the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.27.

[0244] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the length of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first length and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second length, and the ratio of at least one of the first length and the second length to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40.

[0245] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0246] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the length of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the length of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40.

[0247] The internal heating element may be at least 0.5 millimeters, at least 1 millimeter, at least 1.5 millimeters, at least 2 millimeters, or at least 2.5 millimeters wide.

[0248] The internal heating element may have a width of 8 millimeters or less, 7 millimeters or less, 6 millimeters or less, 5 millimeters or less, or 4 millimeters or less.

[0249] The internal heating element may have a width of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, 0.5 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0250] The internal heating element may have a width of 1 mm to 8 mm, 1 mm to 7 mm, 1 mm to 6 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 4 mm.

[0251] The internal heating element may have a width of 1.5 mm to 8 mm, 1.5 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 6 mm, 1.5 mm to 5 mm, or 1.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0252] The internal heating element may have a width of 2 mm to 8 mm, 2 mm to 7 mm, 2 mm to 6 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0253] The internal heating element may have a width of 2.5 mm to 8 mm, 2.5 mm to 7 mm, 2.5 mm to 6 mm, 2.5 mm to 5 mm, or 2.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0254] For example, the internal heating element may be 4 millimeters wide.

[0255] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0256] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different widths disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first width disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first width being different from the second width.

[0257] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0258] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different widths for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first width for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, the first width being different from the second width.

[0259] Where there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first width, and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second width, wherein at least one of the first width and the second width is between 0.5 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0260] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average width in millimeters, as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average width of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, 0.5 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0261] The average width of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0262] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters, as described above, for example, a width of 0.5 to 8 millimeters.

[0263] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be at least 0.05, at least 0.06, at least 0.08, at least 0.09, at least 0.10, at least 0.11, at least 0.12, or at least 0.13.

[0264] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 4 or less, 3 or less, 2 or less, 1.8 or less, 1.6 or less, 1.5 or less, 1.4 or less, or 1.3 or less.

[0265] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.05 to 4, 0.05 to 3, 0.05 to 2, 0.05 to 1.8, 0.05 to 1.6, 0.05 to 1.5, 0.05 to 1.4, or 0.05 to 1.3.

[0266] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.06 to 4, 0.06 to 3, 0.06 to 2, 0.06 to 1.8, 0.06 to 1.6, 0.06 to 1.5, 0.06 to 1.4, or 0.06 to 1.3.

[0267] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.08 to 4, 0.08 to 3, 0.08 to 2, 0.08 to 1.8, 0.08 to 1.6, 0.08 to 1.5, 0.08 to 1.4, or 0.08 to 1.3.

[0268] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.09 to 4, 0.09 to 3, 0.09 to 2, 0.09 to 1.8, 0.09 to 1.6, 0.09 to 1.5, 0.09 to 1.4, or 0.09 to 1.3.

[0269] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.10 to 4, 0.10 to 3, 0.10 to 2, 0.10 to 1.8, 0.10 to 1.6, 0.10 to 1.5, 0.10 to 1.4, or 0.10 to 1.3.

[0270] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.11 to 4, 0.11 to 3, 0.11 to 2, 0.11 to 1.8, 0.11 to 1.6, 0.11 to 1.5, 0.11 to 1.4, or 0.11 to 1.3.

[0271] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.12 to 4, 0.12 to 3, 0.12 to 2, 0.12 to 1.8, 0.12 to 1.6, 0.12 to 1.5, 0.12 to 1.4, or 0.12 to 1.3.

[0272] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.13 to 4, 0.13 to 3, 0.13 to 2, 0.13 to 1.8, 0.13 to 1.6, 0.13 to 1.5, 0.13 to 1.4, or 0.13 to 1.3.

[0273] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of any one of the multiple internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, an aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first width and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second width, and the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to at least one of the first width and the second width is between 0.05 and 4.

[0274] When multiple internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average width of the multiple internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average width of the multiple internal heating elements may be 0.05 to 4, 0.05 to 3, 0.05 to 2, 0.05 to 1.8, 0.05 to 1.6, 0.05 to 1.5, 0.05 to 1.4, or 0.05 to 1.3.

[0275] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of each of the internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of each of the internal heating elements may be 0.05 to 4.

[0276] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation section may be at least 0.1, at least 0.2, at least 0.3, or at least 0.4.

[0277] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation section may be 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less.

[0278] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation section can be 0.1 to 0.9, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.7, or 0.1 to 0.6.

[0279] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation section can be 0.2 to 0.9, 0.2 to 0.8, 0.2 to 0.7, or 0.2 to 0.6.

[0280] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation section can be 0.3 to 0.9, 0.3 to 0.8, 0.3 to 0.7, or 0.3 to 0.6.

[0281] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation section can be 0.4 to 0.9, 0.4 to 0.8, 0.4 to 0.7, or 0.4 to 0.6.

[0282] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the width of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first width and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second width, and the ratio of the first width and the second width to the width of at least one aerosol-generating section is between 0.1 and 0.9.

[0283] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.1 to 0.9, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.7, or 0.1 to 0.6.

[0284] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the width of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the width of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.1 to 0.9.

[0285] The internal heating element may be substantially cylindrical.

[0286] The internal heating element may be pin-shaped.

[0287] The internal heating element may have a thickness that is substantially the same as its width.

[0288] The internal heating element may have a substantially circular cross section.

[0289] The internal heating element may have a needle or pin-like configuration.

[0290] The internal heating element can be at least 0.5 millimeters, at least 1 millimeter, at least 1.5 millimeters, at least 2 millimeters, or at least 2.5 millimeters in diameter.

[0291] The internal heating element can be 5 millimeters or less, 4.5 millimeters or less, 4 millimeters or less, 3.5 millimeters or less, or 3 millimeters or less in diameter.

[0292] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0293] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 4.5 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 3.5 millimeters, or 1 millimeter to 3 millimeters.

[0294] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 1.5 mm to 5 mm, 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0295] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 4.5 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 4 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters, or 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters.

[0296] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 2.5 mm to 4 mm, 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 2.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0297] For example, the internal heating element may be 3 millimeters in diameter.

[0298] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0299] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first width being different from the second width.

[0300] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0301] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second diameter for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, the first diameter being different from the second width diameter.

[0302] Where there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a diameter in the order of millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first diameter and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second diameter, at least one of the first diameter and the second diameter being between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

[0303] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average diameter in millimeters, as described above, for example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0304] The average diameter of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual diameters of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0305] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a diameter in millimeters, as described above, for example, a diameter of 0.5 to 5 millimeters.

[0306] The internal heating element may have a width that is greater than its thickness.

[0307] The internal heating element may have a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0308] The internal heating element may be in the form of a blade or strip.

[0309] The internal heating element may have a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the internal heating element.

[0310] The internal heating element can be at least 0.01 millimeters, at least 0.02 millimeters, at least 0.03 millimeters, or at least 0.05 millimeters thick.

[0311] The internal heating element can be 2 millimeters or less, 1 millimeter or less, 0.5 millimeters or less, or 0.1 millimeters or less in thickness.

[0312] The internal heating element can be 0.01 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.01 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.01 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters, or 0.01 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters thick.

[0313] The internal heating element can be 0.02 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.02 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.02 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters, or 0.02 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters thick.

[0314] The internal heating element can be 0.03 mm to 2 mm, 0.03 mm to 1 mm, 0.03 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm thick.

[0315] The internal heating element can be 0.05 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.05 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.05 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters, or 0.05 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters thick.

[0316] The internal heating element can be at least 55 micrometers, at least 56 micrometers, at least 57 micrometers, or at least 58 micrometers thick.

[0317] The internal heating element can be no greater than 65 micrometers, no greater than 64 micrometers, no greater than 63 micrometers, or no greater than 62 micrometers in thickness.

[0318] The internal heating element can have a thickness of 55 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 55 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0319] The internal heating element can have a thickness of 56 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 56 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 56 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 56 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0320] The internal heating element can have a thickness of 57 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 57 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 57 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 57 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0321] The internal heating element can have a thickness of 58 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 58 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 58 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 58 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0322] For example, the internal heating element may be 60 micrometers thick.

[0323] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0324] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise multiple internal heating elements of different thicknesses disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first thickness being different from the second thickness.

[0325] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness for insertion within the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0326] The aerosol-generating device may comprise multiple internal heating elements of different thicknesses for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article, the first thickness being different from the second thickness.

[0327] When there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness measured in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second thickness, where at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is between 0.01 millimeters and 2 millimeters. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second thickness, where at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is between 55 micrometers and 65 micrometers.

[0328] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average thickness in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average thickness of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, 0.01 mm to 1 mm, 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average thickness of 55 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 55 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0329] The average thickness of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0330] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness measured in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness of 0.01 millimeters to 2 millimeters. For example, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness of 55 micrometers to 65 micrometers.

[0331] An internal heating element may be located within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0332] The internal heating element may be disposed substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generation section, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation section. For example, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation section within ±10 degrees.

[0333] The internal heating element may be centrally located within the aerosol-generation section. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation section.

[0334] The internal heating element may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0335] The internal heating element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0336] The internal heating element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e., the internal heating element may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generation section.

[0337] The length of the internal heating element may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-generation section.

[0338] The internal heating element may extend partway along the length of the aerosol-generation section.

[0339] The internal heating element may be spaced from the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0340] The internal heating element may be spaced from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0341] The internal heating element may be spaced from both the downstream and upstream ends of the aerosol-generation section.

[0342] The length of the internal heating element may be less than the length of the aerosol-generation section.

[0343] The internal heating element may be completely enclosed within the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating substrate may completely surround the internal heating element.

[0344] The internal heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0345] The susceptor element may extend from an upstream end of the aerosol-generation section towards a downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0346] The susceptor element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section to the downstream end of the aerosol-generation substrate, i.e., the susceptor element may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generation section.

[0347] The susceptor element may comprise any susceptor material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metal, an alloy, or carbon.

[0348] The susceptor elements may include a ferromagnetic material. For example, the susceptor elements may include a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. The susceptor elements may include aluminum. The susceptor elements may include 400 series stainless steel. For example, the susceptor elements may include grade 410, grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different susceptor materials consume different amounts of energy when placed in electromagnetic fields of similar frequency and field strength.

[0349] Thus, the parameters of the susceptor element, e.g., type of susceptor material, length, width, and thickness, can all be varied to achieve a desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. The susceptor element can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0350] The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed thereon, for example, the susceptor element may comprise a metallic track formed on the surface of a ceramic core.

[0351] The susceptor element may include a protective outer layer, for example, a protective outer ceramic layer, a protective outer glass layer, or a protective outer inert metal layer.

[0352] The susceptor element may include a protective coating, for example, a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, or an inert metal.

[0353] The susceptor element can be a multi-material susceptor element, for example, the susceptor element can comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0354] The internal heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0355] An aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure may include an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generation section. The upstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol-generation section. The upstream section may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The upstream section may be positioned immediately upstream of the aerosol-generation section. The upstream section may abut the aerosol-generation section. The upstream section may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The downstream end of the upstream section may abut the aerosol-generation section. The downstream end of the upstream element of the upstream section may abut the aerosol-generation section. The upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the upstream end of the upstream section.

[0356] The upstream section may comprise one or more upstream elements, which may advantageously prevent the upstream section and its upstream elements from coming into direct physical contact with the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generation section.

[0357] For example, if the aerosol-generating section includes a susceptor element, the upstream element may prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the susceptor element. This helps to prevent displacement or deformation of the susceptor element during handling or transport of the aerosol-generating article. This in turn helps to fix the shape and position of the susceptor element. Furthermore, the presence of the upstream element helps to prevent any loss of the substrate, which may be advantageous, for example, when the substrate contains particulate plant material.

[0358] Where the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating section comprises multiple strands or shredded tobacco, such as tobacco cut filler, the upstream section and its components may additionally help to prevent loss of loose particles of tobacco from the upstream end of the article, which may be particularly important, for example, when the bulk density of the aerosol-generating substrate is relatively low.

[0359] The upstream section, or upstream elements thereof, may also provide some additional protection to the aerosol-generating substrate during storage, since the presence of the upstream section offsets the aerosol-generating section from the upstream end of the article and also covers, to at least some extent, the otherwise exposed upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0360] In the case of an aerosol-generating article intended to be inserted into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device so that the aerosol-generating substrate can be externally heated within the cavity, the upstream section may advantageously facilitate insertion of the upstream end of the article into the cavity. The inclusion of an upstream element may provide additional protection for the end of the aerosol-generating substrate during insertion of the article into the cavity, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the substrate.

[0361] The upstream section or upstream elements thereof may also provide an improved appearance to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, if desired, the upstream section may be used to provide information about the aerosol-generating article, such as information about the brand, flavor, content, or details of the aerosol-generating device in which the article is intended to be used.

[0362] The upstream element may include or be a plug element. The upstream element may include or be a porous plug element. The upstream element may be formed of a solid cylindrical plug element having a filled cross-section. Such a plug element may be referred to as a "plain" element. The solid plug element may be porous as described above and does not have a tubular configuration and therefore does not provide a longitudinal flow channel. The solid plug element may have a substantially uniform cross-section.

[0363] The upstream element may have a porosity of at least 50 percent along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream element may have a porosity of 50 percent to 90 percent along the longitudinal axis. The porosity of the upstream element along the longitudinal axis is defined as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the upstream element to the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article at a location along the upstream element.

[0364] The upstream element may be made of a porous material or may include a plurality of openings, which may be achieved, for example, by laser drilling. The plurality of openings may be uniformly distributed across the cross section of the upstream element.

[0365] The porosity or permeability of the upstream element can be advantageously designed to provide an aerosol-generating article with a particular overall resistance to draw (RTD) without substantially affecting the filtration provided by other portions of the article.

[0366] The upstream element may be formed from a material that is impermeable to air. The aerosol-generating article may be configured to allow air to flow into the aerosol-generating substrate through suitable vent means provided in the surrounding wrapper.

[0367] It may be desirable to minimize the RTD of the upstream element. For example, this may be the case for an article intended to be inserted into the cavity of an aerosol-generating device so that the aerosol-generating substrate is externally heated. It may be desirable to provide the article with the lowest possible RTD so that the majority of the consumer's RTD experience is provided by the aerosol-generating device, not the article.

[0368] The RTD of the upstream element can be 30 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the upstream element can be 20 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the upstream element can be 10 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the upstream element can be 5 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the upstream element can be 2 millimeters H2O or less.

[0369] The RTD of the upstream element can be at least 0 millimeters H2O, or at least 0.1 millimeters H2O, or at least 0.25 millimeters H2O, or at least 0.5 millimeters H2O.

[0370] The RTD of the upstream element can be 0 or 0.1 millimeters of H2O to 30 millimeters of H2O, or 0.25 millimeters of H2O to 30 millimeters of H2O, or 0.5 millimeters of H2O to 30 millimeters of H2O. The RTD of the upstream element can be 0 or 0.1 millimeters of H2O to 20 millimeters of H2O, or 0.25 millimeters of H2O to 20 millimeters of H2O, or 0.5 millimeters of H2O to 20 millimeters of H2O. The RTD of the upstream element can be 0 or 0.1 millimeters of H2O to 10 millimeters of H2O, or 0.25 millimeters of H2O to 10 millimeters of H2O, or 0.5 millimeters of H2O to 10 millimeters of H2O. The RTD of the upstream element can be 0 or 0.1 millimeters of H2O to 5 millimeters of H2O, or 0.25 millimeters of H2O to 5 millimeters of H2O, or 0.5 millimeters of H2O to 5 millimeters of H2O. The RTD of the upstream element can be 0 or 0.1 millimeters HO to 2 millimeters HO, or 0.25 millimeters HO to 2 millimeters HO, or 0.5 millimeters HO to 2 millimeters HO.

[0371] The upstream element may have an RTD of 2 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, or 1.5 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, or 1 millimeter of H2O per millimeter of length or less, or 0.5 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, or 0.3 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, or 0.2 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less.

[0372] The combined RTD of the upstream section, or upstream element thereof, and the aerosol-generating substrate may be 15 millimeters H2O or less, or 12 millimeters H2O or less, or 10 millimeters H2O or less.

[0373] The upstream element may be formed from a hollow tubular element defining a longitudinal cavity that provides an unrestricted flow channel. While the upstream element may provide protection for the aerosol-generating substrate, it has minimal effect on the overall resistance to draw (RTD) and filtration characteristics of the article.

[0374] The diameter of the longitudinal cavity of the hollow tubular element forming the upstream element can be at least 3 millimeters, or at least 3.5 millimeters, or at least 4 millimeters, or at least 4.5 millimeters. The diameter of the longitudinal cavity can be maximized to minimize the RTD of the upstream section or the upstream element.

[0375] The wall thickness of the hollow tubular element can be 2 millimeters or less, 1.5 millimeters or less, or 1 millimeter or less.

[0376] The upstream element of the upstream section can be made of any material suitable for use in an aerosol-generating article. The upstream element can be made of the same material as that used in one of the other components of the aerosol-generating article, such as the downstream filter element or the downstream hollow tubular element. Suitable materials for forming the upstream element of the present disclosure include filter material, ceramic, polymeric material, cellulose acetate, cardboard, zeolite, or an aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream element can include a plug of cellulose acetate. The upstream element can include a hollow acetate tube or a cardboard tube.

[0377] The upstream element may be formed from a heat-resistant material, for example, a material that can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius, to ensure that the upstream element is not adversely affected by the heating means for heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0378] The upstream section, or an upstream element thereof, may have an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The outer diameter of the upstream section, or an upstream element thereof, may be between 5 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or between 5.25 millimeters and 7.5 millimeters, or between 5.5 millimeters and 7 millimeters.

[0379] The upstream section or element may have a length of 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 3 millimeters to 8 millimeters, or 2 millimeters to 6 millimeters. The upstream section or element may have a length of 5 millimeters. The length of the upstream section or element may be advantageously varied to provide a desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if it is desired to reduce the length of one of the other components of the aerosol-generating article, the length of the upstream section or element may be increased to maintain the same overall length of the article.

[0380] Additionally, for articles intended to be externally heated, the length of the upstream section or upstream element thereof can be used to control the position of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This can advantageously ensure that the position of the aerosol-generating substrate within the cavity can be optimized for heating, and also the position of any ventilation.

[0381] The upstream section may be surrounded by a wrapper, such as plug wrap, which may be a stiff plug wrap, for example, having a basis weight of at least 80 grams per square meter (gsm), or at least 100 gsm, or at least 110 gsm, to provide structural rigidity to the upstream section.

[0382] The upstream section may be connected to the aerosol-generation section by an outer wrapper. The upstream section may also be connected to at least a portion of the downstream section by an outer wrapper, either the same outer wrapper or a different outer wrapper that connects the upstream section to the aerosol-generation section.

[0383] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention comprises a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generation section. The downstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol-generation section. The downstream section may be adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The downstream section may be located immediately downstream of the aerosol-generation section. The downstream section may abut the aerosol-generation section. The downstream section may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The upstream end of the downstream section may abut the aerosol-generation section. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may extend between the aerosol-generation section and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the downstream end of the downstream section. The downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may coincide with the downstream end of the downstream section.

[0384] The downstream section may comprise one or more elements, each of which is described in more detail within this disclosure. The upstream end of one element of the downstream section may abut the aerosol-generation section. The downstream end of one element of the downstream section may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0385] The length of the downstream section may be at least 20 millimeters. The length of the downstream section may be at least 25 millimeters. The length of the downstream section may be at least 30 millimeters.

[0386] The length of the downstream section may be 75 millimeters or less. The length of the downstream section may be 70 millimeters or less. The length of the downstream section may be 65 millimeters or less.

[0387] The length of the downstream section can be 20 mm to 75 mm, or 25 mm to 75 mm, or 30 mm to 75 mm. The length of the downstream section can be 20 mm to 70 mm, or 25 mm to 70 mm, or 30 mm to 70 mm. The length of the downstream section can be 20 mm to 65 mm, or 25 mm to 65 mm, or 30 mm to 65 mm.

[0388] Providing a relatively long downstream section ensures that an appropriate length of the aerosol-generating article protrudes from the aerosol-generating device when the article is received therein. Such an appropriate protrusion length facilitates ease of insertion and extraction of the article from the device, and also ensures that the upstream portion of the article is properly inserted into the device, particularly with reduced risk of damage during insertion.

[0389] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.85 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.80 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.75 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.70 or less.

[0390] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.50. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.60. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65.

[0391] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.50 to 0.85, 0.55 to 0.85, 0.60 to 0.85, or 0.65 to 0.85. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.50 to 0.80, 0.55 to 0.80, 0.60 to 0.80, or 0.65 to 0.80. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.50 to 0.75, 0.55 to 0.75, 0.60 to 0.75, or 0.65 to 0.75. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.50 to 0.70, 0.55 to 0.70, 0.60 to 0.70, or 0.65 to 0.70.

[0392] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be 30 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be 20 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be 15 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be 10 or less.

[0393] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 4. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 5. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 6. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 7.

[0394] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section can be 4 to 30, 5 to 30, 6 to 30, or 7 to 18. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section can be 4 to 20, 5 to 20, 6 to 20, or 7 to 20. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section can be 4 to 15, 5 to 15, 6 to 15, or 7 to 15. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section can be 4 to 10, 5 to 10, 6 to 10, or 7 to 10.

[0395] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be at least 1.0. The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be at least 1.25. The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be at least 1.5. The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be at least 1.75.

[0396] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 3.5 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 3.25 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 3.0 or less. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 2.75 or less.

[0397] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section can be 1.0 to 3.5, 1.25 to 3.5, 1.50 to 3.5, or 1.75 to 3.5. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section can be 1.0 to 3.25, 1.25 to 3.25, 1.50 to 3.25, or 1.75 to 3.25. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section can be 1.0 to 3.0, 1.25 to 3.0, 1.50 to 3.0, or 1.75 to 3.0. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol-generation section can be 1.0 to 2.75, 1.25 to 2.75, 1.50 to 2.75, or 1.75 to 2.75.

[0398] The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include a support element provided downstream of the aerosol-generation section. The support element may be located immediately downstream of the aerosol-generation section. In other words, the support element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The support element may define the upstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The support element may define the downstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The support element may extend to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include a support element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article includes only one support element. The downstream section may include two or more support elements in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0399] The support element of the downstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a hollow tubular element provided downstream of the aerosol-generation section. The hollow tubular element may be provided immediately downstream of the aerosol-generation section. In other words, the hollow tubular element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The hollow tubular element may define the upstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The hollow tubular element may define the downstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The hollow tubular element may extend to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise only one hollow tubular element. The downstream section may comprise two or more hollow tubular elements in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0400] The support element may have a length of at least 10 millimeters, or at least 15 millimeters.

[0401] The support element may have a length of 30 millimeters or less, or 25 millimeters or less, or 22 millimeters or less.

[0402] The support element can have a length of 10 millimeters to 30 millimeters, 15 millimeters to 25 millimeters, or 15 millimeters to 22 millimeters. For example, the support element can have a length of 16 millimeters.

[0403] The downstream section may include a filter segment or element. The filter segment or element may be referred to as a mouthpiece element or segment. The filter element may extend to a downstream end of the downstream section. The filter element may be positioned at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the filter element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0404] The filter element may be positioned downstream of the support element in the downstream section. The filter element may extend between the support element and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter element may abut the support element in the downstream section. The upstream end of the filter element may abut the downstream end of the support element in the downstream section.

[0405] The filter element may be a solid plug, which may also be described as a "plain" plug, and is non-tubular. The filter element may therefore have a substantially uniform cross-section.

[0406] The filter element may be formed of a fibrous filter material. The fibrous filter material may be for filtering aerosols generated from an aerosol-generating substrate. Suitable fibrous filter materials are known to those skilled in the art. The filter element may include a cellulose acetate filter element formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0407] The downstream section may include a single filter element. The downstream section may include two or more filter elements axially aligned in end-to-end abutting relationship with one another.

[0408] The filter element may include a flavoring agent, which may be provided in any suitable form, for example, the filter element may include one or more capsules, beads, or granules of flavoring agent, or one or more flavor-loaded threads or filaments.

[0409] The filter element may have a low particulate filtration efficiency.

[0410] The filter element may be surrounded by plug wrap. The filter element may be unvented so that air does not enter the aerosol-generating article along the filter element.

[0411] The filter element may be connected to one or more of the adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article by a tipping wrapper.

[0412] The filter element may have an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The diameter of the filter element may be substantially the same as the outer or outer diameter of the support element.

[0413] The outer diameter of the filter element may be 5 to 10 millimeters. The diameter of the filter element may be 5.5 to 9 millimeters. The diameter of the filter element may be 6 to 8 millimeters. The diameter of the filter element may be 7 millimeters or less.

[0414] The resistance to draw (RTD) of the downstream section can be at least 0 millimeters of H2O. The RTD of the downstream section can be at least 3 millimeters of H2O. The RTD of the downstream section can be at least 6 millimeters of H2O.

[0415] The RTD of the downstream section can be 12 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the downstream section can be 11 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the downstream section can be 10 millimeters H2O or less.

[0416] The withdrawal resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 0 mm H2O and less than or equal to 12 mm H2O. The withdrawal resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 3 mm H2O and less than or equal to 12 mm H2O. The withdrawal resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 0 mm H2O and less than or equal to 11 mm H2O. The withdrawal resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 3 mm H2O and less than or equal to 11 mm H2O. The withdrawal resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 6 mm H2O and less than or equal to 10 mm H2O. The withdrawal resistance of the downstream section can be 8 mm H2O.

[0417] The resistance to draw (RTD) characteristics of the downstream section may be entirely or predominantly due to the RTD characteristics of the filter element of the downstream section, or in other words, the RTD of the filter element of the downstream section may completely define the RTD of the downstream section.

[0418] The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the filter element can be at least 0 millimeters of H2O. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the filter element can be at least 3 millimeters of H2O. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the filter element can be at least 6 millimeters of H2O.

[0419] The RTD of the filter element can be 12 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the filter element can be 11 millimeters H2O or less. The RTD of the filter element can be 10 millimeters H2O or less.

[0420] The resistance to withdrawal of the filter element may be greater than or equal to 0 mm H2O and less than or equal to 12 mm H2O. The resistance to withdrawal of the filter element may be greater than or equal to 3 mm H2O and less than or equal to 12 mm H2O. The resistance to withdrawal of the filter element may be greater than or equal to 0 mm H2O and less than or equal to 11 mm H2O. The resistance to withdrawal of the filter element may be greater than or equal to 3 mm H2O and less than or equal to 11 mm H2O. The resistance to withdrawal of the filter element may be greater than or equal to 6 mm H2O and less than or equal to 10 mm H2O. The resistance to withdrawal of the filter element may be 8 mm H2O.

[0421] As described above, the filter element can be formed from a fibrous filtering material. The filter element can be formed from a porous material. The filter element can be formed from a biodegradable material. The filter element can be formed from a cellulose material, such as cellulose acetate. For example, the filter element can be formed from a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers having 10-15 denier per filament. For example, the filter element can be formed from a relatively low density cellulose acetate tow, such as a cellulose acetate tow containing 12 denier fibers per filament.

[0422] The filter element may be formed of a polylactic acid-based material. The filter element may be formed of a bioplastic material or a starch-based bioplastic material. The filter element may be fabricated by injection molding or extrusion. Bioplastic-based materials are advantageous because they can provide a simple and inexpensive filter element structure for manufacturing specific and complex cross-sectional profiles that may include multiple relatively large airflow channels extending through the material of the filter element, providing suitable RTD characteristics.

[0423] The filter element may be formed from a sheet of suitable material that is crimped, pleated, assembled, woven, or folded into an element that defines a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Such sheets of suitable material may be formed from paper, cardboard, polymers such as polylactic acid, or any other cellulosic, paper, or bioplastic-based material. The cross-sectional profile of such a filter element may exhibit randomly oriented channels.

[0424] The filter element may be formed in any other suitable manner. For example, the filter element may be formed from a bundle of longitudinally extending tubes. The longitudinally extending tubes may be formed from polylactic acid. The filter element may be formed by extrusion, molding, lamination, injection, or chopping of a suitable material. Therefore, a low pressure drop (or RTD) from the upstream end of the filter element to the downstream end of the filter element is preferred.

[0425] The length of the filter element may be at least 5 millimeters. The length of the filter element may be at least 7 millimeters. The length of the filter element may be 15 millimeters or less. The length of the filter element may be 12 millimeters or less. For example, the length of the filter element may be 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters, or 7 millimeters to 15 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters, or 7 millimeters to 12 millimeters.

[0426] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be 0.55 or less. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be 0.45 or less. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be 0.35 or less. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be 0.25 or less.

[0427] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be at least 0.05. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be at least 0.10. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be at least 0.15. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section may be at least 0.20.

[0428] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.05 to 0.55, 0.10 to 0.55, 0.15 to 0.55, or 0.20 to 0.55. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.05 to 0.45, 0.10 to 0.45, 0.15 to 0.45, or 0.20 to 0.45. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.05 to 0.35, 0.10 to 0.35, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.35. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.20 to 0.25, or the ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.25.

[0429] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.40 or less. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.30 or less. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.25 or less. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 or less.

[0430] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.05. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.07. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.10. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.15.

[0431] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.40, 0.07 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.40, or 0.15 to 0.40. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.30, 0.07 to 0.30, 0.10 to 0.30, or 0.15 to 0.30. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.25, 0.07 to 0.25, 0.10 to 0.25, or 0.15 to 0.25. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.15 to 0.20, or the ratio between the length of the filter element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.16.

[0432] When the downstream section includes a support element and a filter element, the ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be at least 12.5. In other words, the length of the support element may be equal to 125% of the length of the filter element. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be at least 1.5. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be at least 2.

[0433] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be 8.5 or less. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be 6 or less. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be 4 or less.

[0434] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be 1.25 to 8.5. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be 1.5 to 6. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be 2 to 4.

[0435] The downstream section may further include a mouth-end cavity located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by an additional hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouth-end cavity, if present, may be located downstream of the filter element. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by a wrapper that surrounds one or more adjacent components of the aerosol-generating article, the wrapper extending downstream from the one or more adjacent components.

[0436] The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along the downstream section. The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along the support element in the downstream section. As discussed in this disclosure, the support element may include a hollow tubular element. Such a ventilation zone, or any ventilation zone, may penetrate the peripheral wall of the support element when the support element includes a hollow tubular element. In this manner, fluid communication may be established between the flow channel defined internally by the hollow tubular element and the external environment. Ventilation zones are described further within this disclosure.

[0437] A vent cavity can therefore be provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, which offers several potential technical advantages.

[0438] First, it has been found that such breathable hollow tubular elements provide particularly efficient cooling of the aerosol. Thus, satisfactory cooling of the aerosol can be achieved even with a relatively short downstream section. This is particularly desirable because it allows for the provision of an aerosol-generating article in which the aerosol-generating substrate (and particularly one containing tobacco) is heated rather than burned, combining satisfactory aerosol delivery with efficient cooling of the aerosol to a temperature desirable for the consumer.

[0439] Second, the inventors have surprisingly found that such rapid cooling of volatile species released upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate promotes and enhances the nucleation of aerosol particles. This effect is particularly felt when the ventilation zone is located at a precisely defined location along the length of the hollow tubular element relative to other components of the aerosol-generating article. Indeed, the inventors have surprisingly found that the favorable effect of enhanced nucleation can significantly counteract the potentially undesirable effects of dilution induced by the introduction of ventilation air.

[0440] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article (or the upstream end of the upstream section) may be at least about 25 millimeters. As used herein, the term "distance between the ventilation zone and another element or portion of the aerosol-generating article" refers to a distance measurement in the longitudinal direction, i.e., extending along or parallel to the cylindrical axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0441] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 26 millimeters.The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 27 millimeters.

[0442] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 40 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 37 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 34 millimeters or less.

[0443] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be between 25 millimeters and 40 millimeters, between 26 millimeters and 40 millimeters, or between 27 millimeters and 40 millimeters.

[0444] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be between 25 millimeters and 37 millimeters, between 26 millimeters and 37 millimeters, or between 27 millimeters and 37 millimeters.

[0445] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be between 25 millimeters and 34 millimeters, between 26 millimeters and 34 millimeters, or between 27 millimeters and 34 millimeters.

[0446] It has been found that an aerosol-generating article comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular element, some distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, that falls within the ranges set forth above, offers several advantages.

[0447] First, such articles have been observed to provide consumers with particularly satisfactory aerosol delivery, especially when the aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco.

[0448] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is understood that the intense cooling caused by the ambient air drawn into the cavity of the hollow tubular element in the ventilation zone accelerates the condensation of droplets of aerosol former (e.g., glycerin) released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. Volatilized nicotine and organic acids, also released from the tobacco substrate, then accumulate on the newly formed droplets of aerosol former and subsequently combine into nicotine salts. As a result, the overall ratio of aerosol particle phase to aerosol vapor phase may be increased compared to existing aerosol-generating articles.

[0449] Locating the ventilation zone some distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article as described above advantageously reduces the time that volatilized nicotine particles have to travel before they reach the aerosol-former droplets, while at the same time, such location of one of the ventilation zones relative to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article ensures that there is sufficient time and space for nicotine accumulation and nicotine salt formation to occur at a significant rate before the aerosol stream reaches the consumer's mouth.

[0450] The ventilation zone typically includes a plurality of perforations extending through the circumferential wall of the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone may include at least one circumferential row of perforations. The ventilation zone may include two circumferential rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed online during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Each circumferential row of perforations may include 8 to 30 perforations.

[0451] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 2 percent. The term "ventilation level" is used throughout this disclosure to mean the volume ratio between the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the greater the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 5 percent, or at least 10 percent, or at least 12 percent, or at least 15 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 20 percent, or at least 30 percent, or at least 40 percent.

[0452] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of up to 90 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 80 percent or less, or 70 percent or less, or 60 percent or less, or 50 percent or less.

[0453] Thus, the aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of 2 percent to 90 percent, 5 percent to 90 percent, 10 percent to 90 percent, or 15 percent to 90 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of 2 percent to 80 percent, 5 percent to 80 percent, 10 percent to 80 percent, or 15 percent to 80 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of 2 percent to 70 percent, 5 percent to 70 percent, 10 percent to 70 percent, or 15 percent to 70 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of 2 percent to 60 percent, 5 percent to 60 percent, 10 percent to 60 percent, or 15 percent to 60 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of 2 percent to 50 percent, 5 percent to 50 percent, 10 percent to 50 percent, or 15 percent to 50 percent.

[0454] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of 20 percent to 50 percent, 20 percent to 40 percent, or 20 percent to 30 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of 30 percent to 50 percent, or 30 percent to 40 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 40 percent to about 50 percent.

[0455] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature reduction caused by admitting cooler outside air into the hollow tubular element through the ventilation zone can have a beneficial effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0456] The formation of aerosols from gaseous mixtures containing various chemical species depends on the delicate interplay between nucleation, evaporation, condensation, and even fusion, which account for changes in vapor concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that a fraction of molecules in the gas phase are large enough to remain coherent for a long time with a sufficient probability (e.g., a 50 / 50 chance). These molecules represent a certain kind of critical, threshold molecular cluster among transient molecular aggregates, meaning that smaller molecular clusters generally tend to break down into the gas phase rather quickly, while larger clusters generally tend to grow. These critical clusters are identified as primary nucleation cores from which droplets are expected to grow due to the condensation of molecules from the vapor. It is assumed that freshly nucleated, virgin droplets emerge with a certain original diameter and may subsequently grow by several orders of magnitude. This may be facilitated and enhanced by the rapid cooling of the surrounding vapor, which induces condensation. In this regard, it is helpful to remember that evaporation and condensation are two aspects of one and the same mechanism: gas-liquid mass transfer. Evaporation involves the net mass transfer from the droplets to the gas phase, while condensation is the net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) causes the droplets to shrink (or grow), but the number of droplets remains the same.

[0457] In this scenario (when the scenario is further complicated by fusion phenomena), the temperature and rate of cooling may play an important role in determining how the system responds. In general, because the nucleation process is typically nonlinear, different cooling rates may lead to significantly different temperature behaviors with respect to the formation of the liquid phase (droplets). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that cooling can cause a rapid increase in the number of condensed droplets, followed by a short-term, strong increase in this growth (nucleation burst). This nucleation burst appears to be more pronounced at lower temperatures. Furthermore, it appears that a faster cooling rate may favor the onset of early nucleation. In contrast, a reduction in the cooling rate appears to have a favorable effect on the final size that the aerosol droplets ultimately reach.

[0458] Thus, the rapid cooling induced by admitting ambient air into the hollow tubular element via the ventilation zone can be used to favor favorable nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets, however, at the same time admitting ambient air into the hollow tubular element has the direct drawback of diluting the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

[0459] The inventors have surprisingly discovered how the favorable effects of enhanced nucleation promoted by the rapid cooling induced by the introduction of ventilation air into the article can significantly counteract the less desirable effects of dilution. Thus, satisfactory values ​​of aerosol delivery are consistently achieved using aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention.

[0460] The inventors have also surprisingly found that the dilution effect on the aerosol, which can be assessed by measurement, specifically the effect on the delivery of the aerosol former (e.g., glycerol) contained in the aerosol-generating substrate, is advantageously minimized when the aeration level is within the above-mentioned ranges.

[0461] Because the vented hollow tubular element does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article, in an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the overall RTD of the article can be advantageously fine-tuned by adjusting the length and density of the aerosol-generating substrate, or the length, and optionally the length and density, of the segment of filtration material forming part of the downstream section, e.g., the filter element, or the length and density of the segment of filtration material provided upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. Therefore, aerosol-generating articles having a predetermined RTD can be consistently and precisely manufactured, thereby providing a satisfactory level of RTD for the consumer, even in the presence of ventilation.

[0462] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 4 millimeters, or at least 6 millimeters, or at least 8 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 9 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 10 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 11 millimeters.

[0463] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 21 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 19 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 17 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 15 millimeters or less.

[0464] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 4 to 21 mm, 7 to 21 mm, 10 to 21 mm, or 11 to 21 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 8 to 19 mm, 9 to 19 mm, 10 to 19 mm, or 11 to 19 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 8 to 17 mm, 9 to 17 mm, 10 to 17 mm, or 11 to 17 mm.

[0465] Locating the ventilation zone within the above ranges from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate has the advantage that, in use, it generally ensures that when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating device, the ventilation zone is just outside the heating device, reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being accidentally blocked by the user's lips or hands. Additionally, it has been found that locating the ventilation zone a short distance within the above ranges from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may advantageously enhance nucleation and aerosol formation and delivery.

[0466] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 3 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 5 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 7 millimeters.

[0467] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be 14 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be 12 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be 10 millimeters or less.

[0468] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be 3 to 14 millimeters, 5 to 14 millimeters, or 7 to 14 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be 3 to 12 millimeters, 5 to 12 millimeters, or 7 to 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be 3 to 10 millimeters, 5 to 10 millimeters, or 7 to 10 millimeters.

[0469] Locating the ventilation zone within the aforementioned ranges from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element has the advantage that it generally ensures that the ventilation zone is just outside the heating device when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating device during use, reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being accidentally blocked by the user's lips or hands. Additionally, it has been found that locating the ventilation zone some distance from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element within the aforementioned ranges can advantageously lead to relatively more uniform aerosol formation and delivery.

[0470] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 10 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 15 millimeters.

[0471] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 21 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 19 millimeters or less. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 17 millimeters or less.

[0472] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 10 to 21 millimeters, 12 to 21 millimeters, or 15 to 21 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 10 to 19 millimeters, 12 to 19 millimeters, or 15 to 19 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 10 to 17 millimeters, 12 to 17 millimeters, or 15 to 17 millimeters.

[0473] Locating the ventilation zone within the aforementioned distance from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article has the advantage that, in use, when the aerosol-generating article is partially received within the heating device, the portion of the aerosol-generating article extending outside the heating device is long enough to allow a consumer to comfortably hold the article between their lips, reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being accidentally blocked by the user's lips or hands. At the same time, evidence suggests that the longer length of the portion of the aerosol-generating article extending outside the heating device may make it easier to inadvertently and undesirably bend the aerosol-generating article, which may impair aerosol delivery or, generally, the intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0474] As discussed in this disclosure, the support element of the downstream section may include a hollow tubular element. Such a hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element or a hollow tubular downstream element. The downstream section may, in accordance with this disclosure, include a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include only one hollow tubular element.

[0475] As discussed in this disclosure, the upstream section or upstream element may also include a hollow tubular element. Such a hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element or a hollow tubular upstream element. In accordance with this disclosure, the upstream section may include a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include only one hollow tubular element.

[0476] The hollow tubular downstream element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The upstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The downstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0477] The hollow tubular upstream element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The downstream end of the hollow tubular upstream element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section. The upstream end of the hollow tubular upstream element may define the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0478] As used throughout this disclosure, the term "hollow tubular element" generally refers to an elongated element that defines a lumen or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. The upstream section, the downstream section, or both may include a hollow tubular element. Unless otherwise specified, "hollow tubular element" may generally refer to both the hollow tubular element of the upstream section and the hollow tubular element of the support element or the hollow tubular element of the downstream section.

[0479] In particular, the terms "tubular" or "hollow tubular" are used hereinafter in reference to a tubular element or hollow tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes substantially uninterrupted fluid communication between the upstream end of the tubular element and the downstream end of the tubular element. However, it will be appreciated that alternative shapes of the tubular element (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) may be possible. The hollow tubular element may be an individual, separate element of the aerosol-generating article having a defined length and thickness. The cavity of the hollow tubular element may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0480] The hollow tubular element may include an end wall defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an end wall portion defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream end wall portion defining the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a downstream end wall portion defining the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0481] The hollow tubular element may include an opening at an end of the hollow tubular element. The opening provides fluid communication from the exterior of the hollow tubular element into the cavity of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an opening in an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening at the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a downstream opening in the downstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the downstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening in the upstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the upstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may define an entrance or access to a cavity defined between the upstream and downstream ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0482] The ends of the hollow tubular element may be flanged. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end defining the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end defining the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The flanged end may form or include an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. Such an end wall or end wall portion may define an opening between the cavity and the exterior of the hollow tubular element. In other words, an opening may be defined through the end wall or end wall portion.

[0483] The flanged end of the hollow tubular element may be defined by a folded end of the hollow tubular element. The end of the hollow tubular element may be folded. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end that defines either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end that defines the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end that defines the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The folded end may form or define an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. Such an end wall or end wall portion may define an opening between the cavity and the exterior of the hollow tubular element. In other words, an opening may be defined through the end wall or end wall portion.

[0484] An end wall or end wall portion of a hollow tubular element may substantially define a closed end of the hollow tubular element. For example, a flanged or folded end of a hollow tubular element may define a closed end of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the flange defined by the flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular element extends inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0485] The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening, a downstream opening, or both. Each opening provides access to an air passageway or cavity defined within the hollow tubular element. Each end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening. In other words, the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening, and the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening.

[0486] Preferably, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is substantially uniform along its length. In other words, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element at its flanged end may correspond to the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular element does not change the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element as measured at that end.

[0487] The hollow tubular element may include a tubular body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body. The hollow tubular element may include a first end forming an end wall at the first end of the tubular body, the first end wall defining an opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the second tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a second end forming an end wall at the second end of the tubular body, the second end wall defining another opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the second tubular element.

[0488] The end wall may extend partially into the cavity of the tubular body, forming an angle of 90 degrees or less with the inner surface of the tubular body, an angle of 80 degrees or less with the inner surface of the tubular body, or an angle of 70 degrees or less with the inner surface of the tubular body. This can be achieved by ensuring that a folding force is applied to the hollow tubular element during manufacture so that at least a portion of the end of the hollow tubular element is forced into the cavity of the tubular body. Such an arrangement can advantageously increase the likelihood that the end wall will remain stationary relative to the tubular body after the hollow tubular element is manufactured. In particular, such an arrangement can help to counter any natural resilience of the material forming the hollow tubular element, thereby reducing the likelihood that the folded or flanged end of the hollow tubular element will return to its unfolded state after manufacture.

[0489] The opening defined by the end wall may be the only opening in the end wall. The opening may be located at approximately the radial center of the hollow tubular element. The end wall may be generally annular.

[0490] The end wall may extend from a fold point on the hollow tubular element toward a radially central location of the hollow tubular element, and the fold point may generally correspond to a first end of the tubular body of the hollow tubular element.

[0491] A cavity may have a constant cross-section along its length, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element. That is, preferably, the cross-section of the cavity at a first longitudinal position of the tubular body is the same as the cross-section of the cavity at second and further longitudinal positions of the tubular body. As a result, the area of ​​the cavity may be constant along the length of the tubular body. However, if the cavity does not have a constant cross-section along its length (e.g., because the inner surface of the hollow tubular body tapers along the length of the hollow tubular body), then the area of ​​the cavity measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element is considered to be the smallest such area of ​​the cavity along the length of the tubular body.

[0492] The tubular body of the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. This means that the tubular body portion of the hollow tubular element exhibits negligible resistance to withdrawal (RTD). Therefore, the flow channel should not include any components that would obstruct longitudinal air flow. The flow path is substantially empty. In such a case, the tubular body of the hollow tubular element defines an empty cavity.

[0493] The tubular element of the present disclosure provides an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming the hollow tubular element from a tubular body defining a cavity extending from the first end of the tubular body to the second end of the tubular body, a relatively large portion of the hollow tubular element can be emptied and allow for smooth airflow. When the hollow tubular element is provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this can help improve aerosol cooling and nucleation. Furthermore, such a configuration can also help minimize filtration of any compounds emitted from the aerosol-generating substrate, particularly when compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0494] By providing hollow tubular elements with folded or flanged ends that form end walls at the ends of the tubular body, the hollow tubular elements can be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end walls. In particular, hollow tubular elements and their or each end wall can be manufactured efficiently and quickly with satisfactory RTDs and low RTD variability between products. Furthermore, the configuration of hollow tubular elements and their end walls means that the RTD can be localized to specific longitudinal locations on the hollow tubular element, rather than being continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0495] When the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall can provide a barrier that can limit movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement can also advantageously allow air and / or aerosol to flow through the opening into the cavity. The structure of the hollow tubular element can also be better suited to withstanding the temperatures generated by the heating blade or susceptor element.

[0496] By providing the end wall openings with sizes as defined herein, either in absolute terms or with reference to one or more of the tubular body cavity area, tubular body cavity diameter, and tubular body outer diameter or outer diameter, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to a desired value. Furthermore, when the hollow tubular element is positioned downstream of an aerosol-generating substrate, selection of such opening sizes can aid in the formation of an aerosol with desired properties, such as a desired high level of aerosol components, including one or both of nicotine and glycerin.

[0497] The aerosol-generation section and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with each other, for example, an end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with the aerosol-generation substrate of the aerosol-generation section.

[0498] The aerosol-generation section and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to each other but not in contact with each other, with a small gap of empty space separating the aerosol-generation section from the hollow tubular element along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate but not in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The gap may be 2 millimeters or less. The gap may be 1 millimeter or less.

[0499] As noted above, the upstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generation section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0500] As noted above, the downstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located downstream of the aerosol-generation section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0501] The aerosol-generating article may comprise two hollow tubular elements, one downstream hollow tubular element located downstream of the aerosol-generation section and the other upstream hollow tubular element located upstream of the aerosol-generation section, wherein the downstream and upstream tubular elements may each have any feature or combination of features described above or below with respect to the hollow tubular elements of the present disclosure.

[0502] For example, the hollow tubular element may be a downstream hollow tubular element, which is positioned downstream of the aerosol-generation section, with the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generation substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further include an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element may be positioned upstream of the aerosol-generation section. The end wall of the upstream hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generation substrate. As a result, the aerosol-generation section including the aerosol-generation substrate may be sandwiched between the upstream hollow tubular element and the downstream hollow tubular element, each tubular element having a respective end wall adjacent to or abutting the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0503] The aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section may include multiple strands of aerosol-generating material. The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 15 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 10 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 7.5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2.5 or less. Such openings in the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0504] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 3. Such openings in the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0505] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 15, 0.1 to 10, 0.1 to 7.5, 0.1 to 5, or 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 15, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 7.5, 0.2 to 5, or 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.5 to 20, 0.5 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 7.5, 0.5 to 5, or 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 7.5, 1 to 5, or 1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 7.5, 2 to 5, or 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 7.5, or 3 to 5. Such openings in the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0506] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 15 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 10 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 7.5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2.5 or less. Such openings in the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0507] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 3. Such openings in the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0508] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 15, 0.1 to 10, 0.1 to 7.5, 0.1 to 5, or 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 15, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 7.5, 0.2 to 5, or 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.5 to 20, 0.5 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 7.5, 0.5 to 5, or 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material can be 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 7.5, 1 to 5, or 1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material can be 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 7.5, 2 to 5, or 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material can be 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 7.5, or 3 to 5. Such openings in the upstream element can refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element can include a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0509] The above ratio has been found to reduce the risk of any removed aerosol-generating material migrating upstream from the aerosol-generating section toward the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Such a ratio can ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent such migration. The openings may be large enough for strands to pass through, but internal packing friction between strands within the aerosol-generating section and obstruction by other strands may also play a role in preventing such migration. However, such a ratio can ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent and reduce such migration while maintaining an acceptable resistance to withdrawal (RTD) for the entire article. Furthermore, the strands typically have an average length significantly longer than their average width. Any strands that may protrude from the openings would then need to travel a distance equivalent to their average length with relative difficulty in order to successfully migrate upstream.

[0510] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 15 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 10 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 7.5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2.5 or less. Such openings in the support element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0511] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 3. Such openings in the support element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0512] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 15, 0.1 to 10, 0.1 to 7.5, 0.1 to 5, or 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 15, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 7.5, 0.2 to 5, or 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.5 to 20, 0.5 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 7.5, 0.5 to 5, or 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 7.5, 1 to 5, or 1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 7.5, 2 to 5, or 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 7.5, or 3 to 5. Such openings in the support element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0513] The above ratio has been found to reduce the risk of any removed aerosol-generating material migrating downstream from the aerosol-generating section toward the downstream or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. Such a ratio can ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent such migration. The openings may be large enough for strands to pass through, but internal packing friction between strands within the aerosol-generating section and obstruction by other strands may also play a role in preventing such migration. However, such a ratio can ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent and reduce such migration while maintaining an acceptable resistance to withdrawal (RTD) for the overall article. Furthermore, the strands typically have an average length significantly longer than their average width. Any strands that may protrude from the openings would then need to travel a distance equivalent to their average length with relative difficulty in order to successfully migrate downstream.

[0514] The opening of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of between 0.6 percent and 60 percent of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity. The opening of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of between 1.5 percent and 21 percent of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity.

[0515] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 0.6 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 1.5 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 2.5 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 4 percent of the area of ​​the cavity.

[0516] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 60 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 21 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 10 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 9.5 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 7 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity.

[0517] A hollow tubular element may have an inner diameter that defines a cavity. The inner diameter of a hollow tubular element may therefore be referred to as the cavity diameter. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is between 8 percent and 77 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter that is between 12 percent and 46 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter that is between 15 percent and 30 percent of the cavity diameter.

[0518] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 8 percent of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter that is at least 12 percent of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter that is at least 15 percent of the diameter of the cavity.

[0519] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 77 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 50 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 46 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 30 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 25 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity.

[0520] The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 7 percent and 70 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 11 percent and 45 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 13 percent and 27 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 27 percent and 42 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0521] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 7 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 10 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 11 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 13 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0522] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 70 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 45 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 42 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 30 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 27 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0523] The openings may be 0.5 mm to 5 mm in diameter. The openings may be 0.8 mm to 3 mm in diameter. The openings may be 1 mm to 2 mm in diameter. The openings may be 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm in diameter. The openings may be 0.5 mm to 5 mm in diameter.

[0524] The opening may be at least 0.5 millimeters in diameter. The opening may be at least 0.8 millimeters in diameter. The opening may be at least 1 millimeter in diameter. The opening may be at least 1.5 millimeters in diameter. The opening may be at least 2 millimeters in diameter.

[0525] The openings may be 5 millimeters or less in diameter. The openings may be 4 millimeters or less in diameter. The openings may be 3 millimeters or less in diameter. The openings may be 2.5 millimeters or less in diameter.

[0526] A cavity may have a constant cross-section along its length, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element. That is, the cross-section of the cavity at a first longitudinal position of the hollow tubular element is preferably the same as the cross-section of the cavity at a second longitudinal position or beyond of the hollow tubular element. Thus, the area of ​​the cavity may be constant along the length of the hollow tubular element. However, if the cavity does not have a constant cross-section along its length (e.g., because the inner surface of the hollow tubular element tapers along the length of the hollow tubular element), then the area of ​​the cavity measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element is considered to be the smallest such area of ​​the cavity along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0527] A hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. This means that the tubular body portion of the hollow tubular element exhibits negligible resistance to withdrawal (RTD). Therefore, the flow channel should not include any components that would obstruct longitudinal air flow. The flow path is substantially empty. In such cases, the tubular body of the hollow tubular element may define an empty cavity.

[0528] The hollow tubular element of the present disclosure provides an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming the hollow tubular element from a tubular body defining a cavity extending from the first end of the tubular body to the second end of the tubular body, a relatively large portion of the hollow tubular element can be emptied and allow for smooth airflow. When the hollow tubular element is downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this can help improve aerosol cooling and nucleation. Furthermore, such a configuration can also help minimize filtration of any compounds emitted from the aerosol-generating substrate, particularly when compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0529] By providing hollow tubular elements with folded or flanged ends that form end walls, the hollow tubular elements can be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end walls. In particular, hollow tubular elements and their end walls can be efficiently and rapidly manufactured with satisfactory RTDs and low RTD variability between products. Furthermore, the configuration of hollow tubular elements and their end walls means that the RTD can be localized to specific longitudinal locations on the hollow tubular element, rather than being continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0530] When the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall can provide a barrier that can limit movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement can also advantageously allow air and / or aerosol to flow through the opening into the cavity. The structure of the hollow tubular element can also be better suited to withstanding the temperatures generated by the heating blade or susceptor element.

[0531] By providing the end wall openings with the sizes defined above, either in absolute terms or with reference to one or more of the tubular body cavity area, tubular body cavity diameter, and tubular body outer diameter or diameter, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to a desired value while reducing the risk of migration of the aerosol-generating substrate material. Furthermore, when the hollow tubular element is located downstream of the aerosol-generation section, selecting such opening sizes can aid in the formation of an aerosol having desirable properties, such as a desired high level of aerosol components including one or both of nicotine and glycerin.

[0532] The aerosol-generation section and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with each other, for example, an end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with the aerosol-generation substrate of the aerosol-generation section.

[0533] The aerosol-generation section and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to each other but not in contact with each other, with a small gap of empty space separating the aerosol-generation section from the hollow tubular element along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate but not in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The gap may be 2 millimeters or less. The gap may be 1 millimeter or less.

[0534] As noted above, the upstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generation section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0535] As noted above, the downstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located downstream of the aerosol-generation section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0536] The aerosol-generating article may comprise two hollow tubular elements, one downstream hollow tubular element located downstream of the aerosol-generation section and the other upstream hollow tubular element located upstream of the aerosol-generation section, wherein the downstream and upstream tubular elements may each have any feature or combination of features described above or below with respect to the hollow tubular elements of the present disclosure.

[0537] For example, the hollow tubular element may be a downstream hollow tubular element, which is positioned downstream of the aerosol-generation section, with the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generation substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further include an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element may be positioned upstream of the aerosol-generation section. The end wall of the upstream hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generation substrate. As a result, the aerosol-generation section including the aerosol-generation substrate may be sandwiched between the upstream hollow tubular element and the downstream hollow tubular element, each tubular element having a respective end wall adjacent to or abutting the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0538] At least a first portion of the hollow tubular element forming the end wall is substantially air-impermeable. In other words, the end wall may be substantially non-porous. The end wall may not include any perforations. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of 2000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of 1000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of 500 Coresta units or less.

[0539] The tubular body of the hollow tubular element may be substantially air-impermeable. The tubular body may be substantially non-porous. The tubular body may include no perforations. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of 2000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of 1000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of 500 Coresta units or less.

[0540] If the aerosol-generation section includes a susceptor element within the aerosol-generating substrate, the opening in the first wall may be generally aligned with the radial position of the susceptor element. This may advantageously help maintain a distance between the end wall of the hollow tubular element and the susceptor of the aerosol-generation section. Maintaining such a distance may help mitigate any undesired heating of the end wall of the hollow tubular element by the susceptor element.

[0541] The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter or diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter or diameter of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generation section is formed as a rod, the hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter or diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter or diameter of the aerosol-generation section.

[0542] The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of 6 to 10 millimeters, for example 7 to 9 millimeters, or 7.5 to 8.5 millimeters. The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of 7.8 millimeters.

[0543] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 5.5 millimeters. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 6 millimeters. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 7 millimeters. The term "equivalent inner diameter" is used herein to refer to the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the cross-section of the airflow conduit defined therein by the hollow tubular element. The cross-section of the airflow conduit may have any suitable shape, although, as briefly explained above, a circular cross-section is preferred. That is, the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is a substantially cylindrical tube. In that case, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube.

[0544] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of 10 millimeters or less. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of 9.5 millimeters or less, or 9 millimeters or less.

[0545] The hollow tubular element may have a wall thickness of at least 0.1 millimeters, or at least 0.2 millimeters.

[0546] The hollow tubular element or tubular body thereof may have a wall thickness of 1.5 millimeters or less, or 1.25 millimeters or less. The hollow tubular element or tubular body thereof may have a wall thickness of 1 millimeter or less.

[0547] The hollow tubular element or tubular body may therefore have a wall thickness of 0.1 millimeter to 1.5 millimeter, or 0.2 millimeter to 1.25 millimeter, or 0.5 millimeter to 1 millimeter.

[0548] Providing the hollow tubular element or its tubular body with such a wall thickness can help improve the resistance of the tubular element to crushing or deformation, while also allowing the end walls to be formed by folded or flanged ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0549] The size of the hollow tubular element can be comparable to the upstream or support elements described in this disclosure.

[0550] The RTD of the hollow tubular element can be from 0 millimeters H2O (about 0 Pa) to 20 millimeters H2O (about 100 Pa), or from 0 millimeters H2O (about 0 Pa) to 10 millimeters H2O (about 100 Pa).

[0551] The hollow tubular element is preferably formed from a paper material, such as paper, paperboard, or cardboard. The hollow tubular element may be formed from multiple overlapping paper layers, such as multiple parallel-wound paper layers or multiple spirally wound paper layers. Forming the hollow tubular element from multiple overlapping paper layers can help improve the tubular element's resistance to crushing or deformation, while also allowing end walls to be formed by folded or flanged ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0552] The hollow tubular element may include at least two paper layers. The hollow tubular element may include fewer than 11 paper layers.

[0553] When the hollow tubular element is formed from a paper material, the paper material may have a basis weight of at least 90 grams per square meter. The paper material may have a basis weight of 300 grams per square meter or less. The paper material may have a basis weight of 100 to 200 grams per square meter. Providing the hollow tubular element with such a wall basis weight can help improve the tubular element's resistance to crushing or deformation, while also allowing for end walls to be formed by folded or flanged ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0554] The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0555] The aerosol generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol generating device

[0556] The aerosol generating device may include a power source and control electronics.

[0557] The aerosol generating device may include a battery and control electronics.

[0558] The aerosol generating device may include a housing defining a device cavity.

[0559] The device cavity may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0560] The device cavity may be configured to accommodate at least the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0561] The device cavity may be substantially cylindrical.

[0562] The device cavity may be substantially circular in cross section.

[0563] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element.

[0564] The aerosol generating device may include an external heating element.

[0565] An external heating element may be placed around the periphery of the device cavity.

[0566] The external heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0567] The external heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0568] The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element for insertion within the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0569] The internal heating element may have a pointed tip to facilitate insertion of the internal heating element into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0570] An internal heating element may be disposed within the device cavity.

[0571] The internal heating element may be disposed substantially longitudinally within the device cavity, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device cavity.

[0572] The internal heating element may be centrally located within the device cavity and may extend along the longitudinal axis of the device cavity.

[0573] The internal heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0574] The internal heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0575] The aerosol generating device may include a directing element.

[0576] The inductive element may include one or more inductive coils.

[0577] The guide elements may be positioned around the periphery of the device cavity.

[0578] The aerosol generating system may include a consumable aerosol generating article and a reusable aerosol generating device.

[0579] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0580] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0581] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0582] Example 1 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating section, the aerosol-generating section comprising an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 2. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises an elongated internal heating element positioned within the aerosol-generating substrate in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 3 3. The aerosol-generating article of example 2, wherein the internal heating element extends between the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section and the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. Example 4. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-generating section including an aerosol-generating substrate including a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol-generating device. Example 5. 5. The aerosol-generating system of example 4, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an elongated internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. Example 6 6. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 7 7. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 8 An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 9. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 10. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 11 An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 12 An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 13 13. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 14. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 15. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 16. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 120 milligrams. Example 17. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 130 milligrams. Example 18. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 140 milligrams. Example 19. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 150 milligrams. Example 20. 20. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 160 milligrams. Example 21. 21. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 340 milligrams or less. Example 22. 22. The aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 310 milligrams or less. Example 23. 23. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 280 milligrams or less. Example 24. 24. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 250 milligrams or less. Example 25. 25. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 220 milligrams or less. Example 26. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler. Example 27. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in any of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the aerosol-generating section includes a heat transfer enhancement element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 28. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 0.5 millimeters. Example 29. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 1 millimeter. Example 30. 30. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 2 millimeters. Example 31. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 5 millimeters. Example 32. 32. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 80 millimeters or less. Example 33. 33. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 50 millimeters or less. Example 34. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 30 millimeters or less. Example 35. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 25 millimeters or less. Example 36. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 20 millimeters or less. Example 37. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 15 millimeters or less. Example 38. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.1 millimeters. Example 39. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.3 millimeters. Example 40. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.4 millimeters. Example 41. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.5 millimeters. Example 42. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.6 millimeters. Example 43. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 42, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 5 millimeters or less. Example 44. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 43, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 2 millimeters or less. Example 45. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 1.5 millimeters or less. Example 46. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 1.2 millimeters or less. Example 47. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 0.9 millimeters or less. Example 48. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 47, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.1 millimeters. Example 49. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.15 millimeters. Example 50. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 49, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.18 millimeters. Example 51. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 1 to 50, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.2 millimeters. Example 52. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 51, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 2 millimeters or less. Example 53. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 52, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 1 millimeter or less. Example 54. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 53, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 0.6 millimeters or less. Example 55. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 54, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 0.3 millimeters or less. Example 56. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 55, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 1 weight percent of an aerosol former. Example 57. 57. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 56, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 5 weight percent of an aerosol former. Example 58. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 57, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 10 weight percent aerosol formers. Example 59. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 58, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 15 weight percent of an aerosol former. Example 60. 60. The aerosol-generating article or system of any one of Examples 1 to 59, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 30 weight percent or less of an aerosol former. Example 61. 61. The aerosol-generating article or system of any one of Examples 1 to 60, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 25 weight percent or less of an aerosol former. Example 62. 62. The aerosol-generating article or system of any one of Examples 1 to 61, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 20 weight percent or less of an aerosol former. Example 63. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 62, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 0.5 weight percent nicotine. Example 64. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 63, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 1.0 weight percent nicotine. Example 65. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 64, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 1.5 weight percent nicotine. Example 66. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 65, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 2.0 weight percent nicotine. Example 67. 67. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 66, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 10 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 68. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 67, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 8 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 69. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 68, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 6 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 70. 69. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 69, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 4 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 71. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 70, wherein the internal heating element is a susceptor element. Example 72. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 71, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 4 millimeters. Example 73. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 72, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 6 millimeters. Example 74. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 73, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 8 millimeters. Example 75. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 74, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 10 millimeters. Example 76. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 75, wherein the internal heating element has a length of 45 millimeters or less. Example 77. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 76, wherein the internal heating element has a length of 35 millimeters or less. Example 78. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 77, wherein the internal heating element has a length of 25 millimeters or less. Example 79. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the internal heating element has a length of 15 millimeters or less. Example 80. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 79, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 0.5 millimeters. Example 81. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 80, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 1 millimeter. Example 82. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 81, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 1.5 millimeters. Example 83. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 82, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 2 millimeters. Example 84. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 83, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 2.5 millimeters. Example 85. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 84, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 8 millimeters or less. Example 86. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 85, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 7 millimeters or less. Example 87. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 86, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 6 millimeters or less. Example 88. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 87, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 5 millimeters or less. Example 89. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 88, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 4.5 millimeters or less. Example 90. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 89, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 4 millimeters or less. Example 91. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 90, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 3.5 millimeters or less. Example 92. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 91, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 3 millimeters or less. Example 93. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 92, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.05. Example 94. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 93, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.06. Example 95. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 94, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.08. Example 96. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 95, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.09. Example 97. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 96, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.10. Example 98. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 97, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.11. Example 99. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 1 to 98, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.12. Example 100. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 99, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.13. Example 101. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 100, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 4 or less. Example 102. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 101, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 3 or less. Example 103. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 102, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 2 or less. Example 104. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 103, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.8 or less. Example 105. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 104, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.6 or less. Example 106. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 105, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.5 or less. Example 107. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 106, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.4 or less. Example 108. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 1 to 107, wherein the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.3 or less. Example 109. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 108, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.04. Example 110. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 109, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.07. Example 111. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 110, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.10. Example 112. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 111, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.12. Example 113. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 112, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.15. Example 114. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 113, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.20. Example 115. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 114, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.25. Example 116. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 115, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 7 or less. Example 117. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 116, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 4 or less. Example 118. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 117, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 1 or less. Example 119. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 118, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.8 or less. Example 120. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 119, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.7 or less. Example 121. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 120, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.6 or less. Example 122. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 121, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.5 or less. Example 123. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 122, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.1. Example 124. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 123, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.2. Example 125. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 124, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.3. Example 126. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 125, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.4. Example 127. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 126, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is 0.9 or less. Example 128. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 127, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is 0.8 or less. Example 129. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 128, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is 0.7 or less. Example 130. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 129, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is 0.6 or less. Example 131. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 130, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.10. Example 132. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 131, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.15. Example 133. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 132, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.20. Example 134. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 133, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is 0.40 or less. Example 135. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 134, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is 0.35 or less. Example 136. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 135, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is 0.30 or less. Example 137. 137. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 136, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. Example 138. 138. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 137, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a directing element. Example 139. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 138, comprising a downstream section positioned downstream of the aerosol-generation section. Example 140. 139. The aerosol-generating article of claim 139, wherein the downstream section comprises a support element abutting the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section. Example 141. 141. The aerosol-generating article of example 140, wherein the support element comprises an opening at one end of the support element. Example 142. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1. Example 143. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5. Example 144. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 1. Example 145. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 3. Example 146. 146. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 141 to 145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 20 or less. Example 147. 146. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 141 to 145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 10 or less. Example 148. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 141 to 145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 7.5 or less. Example 149. 146. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 141 to 145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 5 or less. Example 150. An aerosol-generating article described in any of Examples 141 to 149, wherein the support element comprises a hollow tubular downstream element having an end wall defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element, and optionally the end wall is defined by a flanged end of the hollow tubular downstream element. Example 151. 151. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 141-150, wherein the opening in the support element is defined through the end wall. Example 152. 152. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 141-151, wherein the opening in the support element is located at the upstream end of the support element. Example 153. 153. The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 141-152, wherein the support element comprises a hollow tubular downstream element defining a cavity extending longitudinally along the hollow tubular downstream element. Example 153. 153. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-152, comprising an upstream section positioned upstream of the aerosol-generation section. Example 154. 154. The aerosol-generating article of Example 153, wherein the upstream section comprises an upstream element abutting the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section. Example 155. The aerosol-generating article of example 154, wherein the upstream element comprises a plug element. Example 156. 155. The aerosol-generating article of example 153 or 154, wherein the upstream element includes an opening at one end of the upstream element, optionally the opening being defined in a flanged end of the upstream element. Example 157. 157. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1. Example 158. 157. The aerosol-generating article of Example 156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5. Example 159. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 1. Example 160. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 3. Example 161. 161. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 156 to 160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 20 or less. Example 162. 161. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 156 to 160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 10 or less. Example 163. 161. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 156 to 160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 7.5 or less. Example 164. 161. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 156 to 160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is 5 or less. Example 165. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 156 to 164, wherein the opening of the upstream element is located at the downstream end of the upstream element. Example 166. An aerosol-generating article described in any of Examples 153 to 165, wherein the upstream element comprises a hollow tubular upstream element defining a cavity extending longitudinally along the hollow tubular upstream element, and optionally, the hollow tubular upstream element has a flanged end defining an end wall of the hollow tubular upstream element.

[0583] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 1 is substantially cylindrical, with an overall length of 45 millimeters and an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters.

[0584] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes an aerosol-generation section 12 and a downstream section 14. The downstream section 14 is located downstream of the aerosol-generation section 12. The upstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The downstream end of the downstream section 14 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The aerosol-generation section 12 is 12 millimeters in length. The downstream section has a length of 23 millimeters.

[0585] The aerosol-generation section 12 comprises an aerosol-generation substrate 16 and a susceptor element 18 disposed within the aerosol-generation substrate 16 .

[0586] The aerosol-generating substrate 16 contains 180 milligrams of tobacco cut filler. The tobacco cut filler is surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The tobacco cut filler contains multiple strands of tobacco lamina. The tobacco cut filler contains 90 percent by weight of tobacco lamina. The tobacco cut filler has a glycerin content of 18 percent by weight. The tobacco cut filler has an average cut width of 0.6 millimeters. The aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 325 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0587] The downstream section 14 includes a support element 20 and a mouthpiece element 22. The support element 20 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-generation section 12. The upstream end of the support element 20 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12. The support element has a length of 21 millimeters. As shown in FIG. 1 , the support element 20 is a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element has an inner diameter of 6.7 millimeters. The hollow tubular element is a hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. The peripheral wall thickness of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube is 0.25 millimeters. The hollow tubular element defines an internal cavity or lumen 26 extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The internal cavity 26 is substantially empty. During use, airflow through the internal cavity 26 defined by the hollow tubular element is substantially unrestricted.

[0588] The upstream end of the support element 20 includes an opening or aperture 21 defined through an end wall 25. The end wall 25 defines the upstream end of the support element 20. As shown in FIG. 1 , the upstream end of the support element 20 is flanged to define the end wall 25 and the single aperture 21. This upstream end wall 25 of the support element 20 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12 to minimize migration of materials, such as cut filler, from the aerosol-generating substrate 16 to the downstream end of the article 1. The aperture 21 allows air or aerosol to flow into the internal cavity 26 of the support element 20. The aperture 21 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the aperture 21 is 1 mm. Thus, the ratio of the width of the aperture 21 to the average width of the multiple strands of tobacco lamina is 1.67.

[0589] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes a ventilation zone 24 located along the downstream section 14. The distance between the ventilation zone 24 and the downstream end of the downstream section 14 is 16 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone 24 and the downstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12 is 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone 24 and the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12 is 24 millimeters. As shown in FIG. 1 , the ventilation zone is located along the support element 20. The ventilation zone 24 includes a row of circumferential perforations. The perforations penetrate the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. In use, the perforations allow air to flow from outside the aerosol-generating article 1 into the interior cavity 26 defined by the hollow tubular element.

[0590] The mouthpiece element 22 is positioned immediately downstream of the support element 20. The upstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 abuts the downstream end of the support element 20. The downstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The mouthpiece element 22 is 7 millimeters in length. The mouthpiece element 22 is a cylindrical segment of low-density cellulose acetate tow surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the mouthpiece element 22 is 8 millimeters HO.

[0591] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes an upstream section 32. The upstream section 32 is positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating section 12. The upstream end of the upstream section 32 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The upstream section 32 has a length of 5 millimeters.

[0592] The upstream section 32 includes an upstream element 34. The upstream element 34 is positioned immediately upstream of the aerosol-generation section 12. The downstream end of the upstream element 34 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12. The upstream end of the upstream element 34 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The upstream element 34 has a length of 5 millimeters.

[0593] 1, the upstream element 34 is a cylindrical segment of cellulose acetate surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the upstream element is 30 millimeters HO.

[0594] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes an upstream wrapper (not shown) that surrounds the aerosol-generation section 12 and the adjacent upstream portion of the support element 20 of the downstream section 14. The upstream wrapper is 24 millimeters in length.

[0595] The aerosol-generating article 1 also includes a downstream wrapper (not shown) that surrounds the mouthpiece element 22 and the adjacent downstream portion of the support element 20 of the downstream section 14. The downstream wrapper has a length of 26 millimeters. The downstream wrapper overlies the downstream portion of the upstream wrapper.

[0596] The perforations in ventilation zone 24 extend through the upstream and downstream wrappers.

[0597] Figure 2 shows an aerosol-generating article 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 2 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 1 shown in Figure 1 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 2 will be described only in terms of the differences from the aerosol-generating article 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0598] The aerosol-generating article 2 shown in FIG. 2 differs from the aerosol-generating article 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the upstream element 34 is a hollow tubular element similar to the support element 20. Like the support element 20, the hollow tubular element of the upstream element 34 has an inner diameter of 6.7 millimeters. The hollow tubular element of the upstream element 34 is a hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. The peripheral wall thickness of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube is 0.25 millimeters. The hollow tubular element defines an internal cavity or lumen 36 extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The internal cavity 36 is substantially empty. During use, airflow through the internal cavity 36 defined by the hollow tubular element is substantially unrestricted.

[0599] As shown in FIG. 2 , the downstream end of the upstream element 34 includes an opening or aperture 33 defined through an end wall 37. The end wall 37 defines the downstream end of the upstream element 34. As shown in FIG. 2 , the downstream end of the upstream element 34 is flanged to define the end wall 37 and the single opening 33. This downstream end wall 37 of the upstream element 34 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12 to minimize migration of materials, such as cut filler, from the aerosol-generating substrate 16 to the upstream end of the article 1. The opening 33 allows air to flow out (or exit) from the interior cavity 36 of the upstream element 34 toward the aerosol-generation section 12. The opening 33 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the opening 33 is 1 mm. Thus, the ratio of the width of the opening 33 to the average width of the multiple strands of tobacco lamina is 1.67.

[0600] Figure 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 3 shown in Figure 3 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 2 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in Figure 3 will only be described in terms of the differences from the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 2.

[0601] The aerosol-generating article 3 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in FIG. 2 in that the upstream end of the upstream element 34 also includes an opening or apertures 31 defined through an end wall 35. The end wall 35 defines the upstream end of the upstream element 34. The end wall 35 defines the upstream end of the article 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the upstream end of the upstream element 34 is flanged to define the end wall 35 and a single aperture 31. Thus, the upstream element 34 of the aerosol-generating article 3 includes an upstream end wall 35 and a downstream end wall 37. Thus, both ends of the upstream element 34 of the aerosol-generating article 3 are flanged. Such upstream end wall 35 may further minimize the movement of any material, such as cut filler, from the aerosol-generating substrate 16 that enters the internal cavity 36 through the downstream aperture 33 toward the upstream end of the article 1. The aperture 31 allows air to enter the internal cavity 36 of the upstream element 34 and flow downstream toward the aerosol-generation section 12. The aperture 31 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the opening 31 is 1 mm. Thus, the ratio of the width of the opening 31 to the average width of the multiple strands of tobacco lamina is 1.67.

[0602] Figure 4 shows an aerosol-generating article 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 4 shown in Figure 4 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in Figure 3 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 4 shown in Figure 4 will only be described in terms of the differences from the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in Figure 3.

[0603] The aerosol-generating article 4 shown in FIG. 4 differs from the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in FIG. 3 in that the downstream end of the support element 20 includes an opening or apertures 23 defined through an end wall 27. The end wall 27 defines the downstream end of the support element 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the downstream end of the support element 20 is flanged to define the end wall 27 and a single aperture 23. Thus, the support element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 3 includes an upstream end wall 25 and a downstream end wall 27. Thus, both ends of the support element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 3 are flanged. Such downstream end wall 27 may further minimize the migration of any material, such as cut filler, from the aerosol-generating substrate 16 that enters the internal cavity 26 through the upstream aperture 21 toward the downstream end of the article 1. The aperture 23 allows air to enter the internal cavity 26 of the support element 20 and flow downstream toward the aerosol-generation section 12. The aperture 23 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the aperture 23 is 1 mm. Thus, the ratio of the width of the opening 23 to the average width of the multiple strands of tobacco lamina is 1.67.

[0604] The specific embodiments and examples described above are illustrative of the invention and not limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments of the invention may be made and that the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

[0605] In particular, in the above specific embodiments and examples, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a tobacco cut filler comprising multiple strands of tobacco lamina. However, it should be understood that there may be other embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises multiple strands of other aerosol-generating materials. For example, there may be other embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises multiple strands of homogenized tobacco material or multiple strands of a nicotine-containing gel material.

[0606] The aerosol-generating articles of the specific embodiments and examples described above may further include a susceptor element longitudinally disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. The susceptor may be centrally disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate and extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section. The susceptor element may follow any description within this disclosure regarding a susceptor element or susceptor.

[0607] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10 percent. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the common standard error of measurement for the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-generation section comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material; a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generation section, the downstream section including a support element having an upstream end abutting the aerosol-generation section, the support element including an opening at the end of the support element, the ratio of a width of the opening to an average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material being no greater than about 20; an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generation section, the upstream section including an upstream element having a downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1 , wherein the upstream element comprises a plug element.

3. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the upstream element includes an opening at an end of the upstream element, and the ratio of the width of the opening to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is about 20 or less.

4. 4. The aerosol-generating article of claim 3, wherein the opening in the upstream element is located at the downstream end of the upstream element.

5. 5. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the support element comprises a hollow tubular downstream element having a flanged end defining an end wall, the opening of the support element being defined through the end wall.

6. 6. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the support element is located at the upstream end of the support element.

7. 5. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the support element comprises a hollow tubular downstream element defining a cavity extending longitudinally therealong.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 and 3-7, wherein the upstream element comprises a hollow tubular element defining a cavity extending longitudinally along the hollow tubular element.

9. 9. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is not greater than about 10, optionally not greater than about 7.

5.

10. 10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is about 5 or less.

11. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 3, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is not greater than about 10, optionally not greater than about 7.

5.

12. 10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is about 5 or less.

13. 13. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of from about 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to about 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

14. 14. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of tobacco lamina, and optionally, the plurality of strands of tobacco lamina have an average width of from about 0.3 millimeters to about 2 millimeters.

15. 15. The aerosol-generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of from about 120 milligrams to about 350 milligrams, optionally from about 150 milligrams to about 250 milligrams.

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