We recall briefly the Hertz theory of elastic contact. Diverse ex-tensions including adhesion, or solid friction at the contact zone are briefly discussed. Other behavior laws than elasticity (plasticity, damage, fracture, visco-elasticity) are examined to analyse the limitation of the hertzian de-scription. We also briefly mention some other phenomena which interfere with this simple picture (large deformation, elasto-hydrodynamic effects, roughness). All this material is presented at a very elementary level, only resorting to scaling in order to underline the most salient features of this vast phenomenology.
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