Several aspects of the mechanics of indentation of a half-space by an
elastic indenter which is either conical or wedge-shaped are addressed
. These include elucidation of the contact law, the stale of stress in
duced when the indenter is either pressed normally or sliding with Cou
lomb friction, the strength of the contact, and the influence of shear
ing forces less than those necessary to cause sliding, including those
induced by elastic mismatch.