What is a primary reason for utilizing a hydrostatic test?

Utilizing a hydrostatic test primarily serves to ensure structural integrity. This testing method involves filling a vessel or structure with fluid (usually water) and pressurizing it to check for leaks, weaknesses, or structural failures. By applying pressure in a controlled environment, engineers can evaluate how the material holds up under stress, ensuring safety and reliability. This is particularly crucial in applications such as pipeline testing, pressure vessels, and various underwater structures where maintaining integrity under pressure is essential to prevent catastrophic failures. Other options, while related to fluid dynamics, do not directly pertain to the primary goal of a hydrostatic test.