For a steel component of finite fatigue life used in a non-corrosive environment, Nickel plating of the steel surface will:

Nickel plating of the steel surface will generally improve the fatigue life of the steel component. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Nickel plating is a process that involves coating a metal surface with a thin layer of nickel. This is done to enhance the metal's resistance to corrosion and wear.

2. When applied to steel, nickel plating provides a smooth and hard surface that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This makes the steel component more durable and less likely to fail under stress.

3. In a non-corrosive environment, the main benefit of nickel plating is its ability to reduce surface roughness. This can help to reduce the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks, thereby improving the fatigue life of the steel component.

4. Additionally, nickel plating can also provide a certain degree of lubricity, which can further reduce wear and improve fatigue life.

5. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of nickel plating can depend on a number of factors, including the quality of the plating process, the thickness of the nickel layer, and the specific operating conditions of the steel component.