He is also known for his running time analysis of the Euclidean algorithm, marking the beginning of computational complexity theory.

Often problems in the engineering tasks he undertook led him to study mathematical questions.

In fact this was not a passing interest, for Lamé made substantial contributions to this topic.

Curvilinear coordinates proved a very powerful tool in Lamé's hands.

His most significant contribution to engineering was to accurately define the stresses and capabilities of a press fit joint, such as that seen in a dowel pin in a housing.