What might indicate the presence of porosity on a forged component during a penetrant test?

The presence of porosity in a forged component during a penetrant test is indicated by spherical indications. Porosity typically manifests as small, rounded voids or cavities within the material, which are often identifiable as distinct spherical shapes during this non-destructive testing process. These spherical indications are a result of trapped gas or air pockets that have not been expelled during the forging process, leading to the characteristic appearance when a penetrant is applied.

While other options may suggest various types of surface defects, they do not specifically indicate porosity. For instance, cracks along the surface would indicate structural failure rather than voids, rough patches might suggest uneven surfaces caused by surface finishing techniques, and changes in surface texture could point to corrosion or wear rather than the specific formation of porous defects. Thus, spherical indications provide a clear and direct indication of potential porosity issues in forged components.