Pendulum Mill: The Lifelong Project of Leonardo da Vinci

This study investigates Leonardo da Vinci’s long-standing interest in milling technologies through the digital reconstruction of a pendulum-driven mill illustrated in the Codex Atlanticus. By tracing the chronological development of Leonardo’s ideas across multiple sheets, this research highlights the continuity and evolution of his conceptual approach to energy transmission and mechanical automation. This work adopts a systematic design methodology to interpret and visualize the structural logic of the machine, integrating historical sources with engineering reasoning. The resulting CAD model reconstructs the key components (such as the gear train, escapement system, and pendulum) within a coherent architectural framework inspired by Leonardo’s sketches. While the digital model remains a preliminary interpretation, it offers a historically grounded basis for future refinements. In particular, it lays the groundwork for potential physical reconstructions intended for museum display and public engagement. This study contributes to the broader understanding of Renaissance mechanical culture and the role of digital tools in heritage preservation and dissemination.