Erosion of the leading edge of wind turbine blades by droplet impingement wear, reduces blade aerodynamic efficiency and power output. Eventually, it compromises the integrity of blade surfaces. Elastomeric coatings are currently used for erosion resistance, yet the life of such coatings cannot be predicted accurately. This review paper gives an overview of experimentally validated erosion model blocks that can be used to predict the life of the leading edge of coated wind turbine blades. From the reviewed work it is concluded that surface fatigue, as nucleating wear mechanism for erosion damage, can explain erosive wear and failure of the coatings. An engineering approach to surface fatigue, using the Palmgren–Miner rule for cumulative damage, allows for the construction of a rain erosion incubation period equation. ......
