Two University of Melbourne mechatronics students rebuilt Sir William Hamilton’s 1775 mechanical Vesuvius eruption device using LEDs, laser-cut timber, and electronic controls.
Key Takeaways
Hamilton’s original 1775 design was never confirmed built; a sketch in the Bordeaux Municipal Library provided the only blueprint for reconstruction.
Students Xinyu Xu and Yuji Zeng spent three months in the Creator Space workshop using laser-cut timber, acrylic, programmable LEDs, and electronic control systems.
Core engineering challenge matched Hamilton’s original: hiding mechanisms while balancing light to simulate realistic lava flow.
Skills applied included programming, soldering, 3D printing, and physics-based optical design across a mechatronics and mechanical engineering collaboration.
The completed device is on display at the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library through June 28, 2026.
Hacker News Comment Review
No substantive HN discussion yet.
Notable Comments
@endanke: shared an Instagram reel showing the device in motion, the only visual evidence of the working build.
