6. Glossary

Matériau architecturé; architectured material

Heterogeneous material obtained through a design process aimed at fulfilling a specification of functionality, behavior or performance, induced by a particular morphological arrangement between several phases.

Topology optimization

Numerical design method designed to optimize the distribution of material in a given volume, with regard to a given objective. It generally relies on finite element analysis to assess the structural importance of each zone, with the algorithm progressively eliminating "unnecessary" material. The result is often complex, lattice-like shapes that are very difficult to design intuitively.

Propriété spécifique; specific property

A physical property related to the mass of a material, or its volume,...