What type of defects are identified through surface flaw inspection?

Surface flaw inspection is primarily concerned with identifying defects that are present on the outer layer of a material. This type of inspection typically focuses on issues such as cracks, chips, pits, or other irregularities that can be visually detected or revealed through various testing techniques.

The outer layer of a material is critical because it often serves as the first line of defense against environmental factors that could compromise the material’s integrity. Understanding the condition of this surface is essential for ensuring the overall reliability and safety of components, especially in critical applications such as aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering.

Other options, while they might be relevant in different contexts, do not specifically pertain to what surface flaw inspection aims to detect. For instance, minor cosmetic imperfections may not always affect the performance of the material, and design flaws typically arise from issues in the specifications or manufacturing methods rather than surface conditions. Similarly, defects related to chemical reactions might pertain to deeper, internal issues rather than what is observed on the surface. Thus, option B, which emphasizes surface conditions, precisely aligns with the focus of surface flaw inspection.