The Infona portal uses cookies, i.e. strings of text saved by a browser on the user's device. The portal can access those files and use them to remember the user's data, such as their chosen settings (screen view, interface language, etc.), or their login data. By using the Infona portal the user accepts automatic saving and using this information for portal operation purposes. More information on the subject can be found in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By closing this window the user confirms that they have read the information on cookie usage, and they accept the privacy policy and the way cookies are used by the portal. You can change the cookie settings in your browser.
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 state of stress induced when the indenter is either pressed normally or sliding with Coulomb friction, the strength of the contact, and the influence of shearing forces less than those necessary to cause sliding, including those induced by elastic mismatch.