Two University of Melbourne students have brought to life a mechanical model of Mount Vesuvius' eruption, originally conceived in 1775 by Sir William Hamilton. Using modern tools, they reconstructed the device 250 years later. The creation blends 18th-century imagination with contemporary engineering.
In 1775, Sir William Hamilton, the British ambassador to Naples and Sicily from 1765 to 1800, designed an intricate mechanical model to simulate the explosive beauty of Italy's Mount Vesuvius. Fascinated by volcanoes, Hamilton blended art and early mechanical ingenuity, inspired by the 1771 watercolor 'Night view of a current of lava' by British-Italian artist Pietro Fabris. The concept relied on light and motion to replicate glowing lava and eruptive bursts. Although no record confirms it was built during his lifetime, a detailed sketch preserved in the Bordeaux Municipal Library guided a modern reconstruction.
Dr. Richard Gillespie, Senior Curator in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Melbourne, proposed reviving Hamilton's idea. 'It is fitting that after 250 years exactly, our students have brought this dormant project to life,' he said. 'It is a wonderful piece of science communication. People around the world have always been fascinated by the immense power of volcanoes.'
Master of Mechatronics student Xinyu (Jasmine) Xu and Master of Mechanical Engineering student Yuji (Andy) Zeng spent three months constructing the device in The Creator Space student workshop. They used laser-cut timber and acrylic, programmable LED lighting, and electronic control systems to reinterpret Hamilton's clockwork concept. 'The project offered a wealth of learning opportunities. I've extended many skills, including programming, soldering and physics applications,' Ms. Xu said.
Mr. Zeng added, 'It was a fantastic way to build my hands-on problem-solving skills. We still faced some of the challenges that Hamilton faced. The light had to be designed and balanced so the mechanisms were hidden from view.' Research engineer Mr. Andrew Kogios guided the students. 'From selecting materials and 3D printing, to troubleshooting electronics and satisfying requirements, working collaboratively with Yuji and Xinyu has been extremely rewarding,' he said. 'Experiences like these, supplementing their university studies, position them well for their future endeavors.'
The completed mechanical volcano is now the highlight of 'The Grand Tour' exhibition at the University of Melbourne's Baillieu Library, on display until June 28, 2026.