What does Chvorinov's rule calculate in casting?

Chvorinov's rule specifically addresses the relationship between the geometry of a casting and its solidification time. The rule states that the solidification time is proportional to the square of the volume of the casting divided by the surface area. This means that more complex castings with larger volumes relative to their surface area will take longer to solidify compared to simpler structures.

This rule is particularly useful in the field of foundry engineering and helps in designing the casting process by predicting how long a particular metal will take to solidify, which in turn can affect the final quality of the product. Knowledge of solidification times can also inform decisions about cooling rates, the use of chillers, and other effects that might impact the formation and structure of the metal as it solidifies.

The other options do not align with the fundamental purpose of Chvorinov’s rule, as it does not calculate the volume of metal required, the ideal melting temperature, or the strength of the mold.