Predicting nanoindentation behaviour of Ni-P coatings using finite element analysis

Electroless nickel coating is an autocatalytic reduction of metallic ions from an aqueous solution containing a reducing agent. Electroless nickel coatings (Ni-P) are very popular because of their unique characteristics such as excellent corrosion resistance, chemical inertness and high hardness. Aim of this paper is to simulate Indentation process on Electroless Nickel coated steel specimen by finite element method. A two-dimensional (2D) asymmetric model is modelled/meshed and analysed using ANSYS. The simulation yields a loading-unloading curve similar to the curve that is generated using the actual Indentation experiment. The curve is useful tool to determine the mechanical behaviour of the coating. The various Material Properties required for the simulation is taken from the references. (paper)