Chapter 4, Problem 4.35P

Casting molten metal is important in many industrial processes. Centrifugal casting is used for manufacturing pipes, bearings, and many other structures. A variety of sophisticated techniques have been invented, but the basic idea is as illustrated in Figure P4.35. A cylindrical enclosure is rotated rapidly and steadily about a hori­zontal axis. Molten metal is poured into the rotating cylinder and then cooled, forming the finished prod­uct. Turning the cylinder at a high rotation rate forces the solidifying metal strongly to the outside. Any bubbles are displaced toward the axis, so unwanted voids will not be present in the casting. Sometimes it is desir­able to form a composite casting, such as for a bearing. Here a strong steel outer surface is poured and then inside it a lining of special low-friction metal. In some applications, a very strong metal is given a coating of corrosion-resistant metal. Centrifugal casting results in strong bonding between the layers.

Suppose a copper sleeve of inner radius 2.10 cm and outer radius 2.20 cm is to be cast. To eliminate bubbles and give high structural integrity, the centripetal acceleration of each bit of metal should be at least 100g. What rate of rotation is required? State the answer in revolutions per minute.