Designing nickel coatings for water erosion performance : optimisation of grain size and thickness

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Gaddavalasa, Nithin Chandra and Lodh, Arijit and Cini, Andrea and Saaran, Vinodhen and Mehmanparast, Ali and Starr, Andrew and Castelluccio, Gustavo M. (2025) Designing nickel coatings for water erosion performance : optimisation of grain size and thickness. Engineering Failure Analysis, 175. 109564. ISSN 1350-6307 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2025.109564)

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Abstract

Metallic coatings are gaining interest as an alternative to classical polymeric layers for erosion damage prevention due to their extended durability and sustainability. However, their implementation requires a thorough understanding of protective potential and reliability. This study explores the use of brush-plated nickel coatings on carbon-fibre reinforced composites to enhance their performance against water erosion. A combination of experimental analysis and computational modelling explores the effect of different coating thickness and properties to withstand water droplet erosion damage. Findings reveal a minimum critical coating thickness around 40 μ m can significantly improve the erosion resistance.

ORCID iDs

Gaddavalasa, Nithin Chandra, Lodh, Arijit, Cini, Andrea, Saaran, Vinodhen, Mehmanparast, Ali ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7099-7956, Starr, Andrew and Castelluccio, Gustavo M.;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)