MECHANICAL & MANUFACTURING

Golden Gate Bridge Stirling Engine

A custom-machined Stirling engine with a Golden Gate Bridge-inspired bedplate, a balanced compass-rose flywheel, and a tested speed of over 1,100 RPM.

Role: Design & machining
Tools & methods: SolidWorks · Center-of-mass analysis · Machining

Finished custom-machined Stirling engine with a compass-rose flywheel and red bridge-inspired bedplate

01 / Design inspiration

The engine combines two visual references: the Golden Gate Bridge for the bedplate and a compass rose for the flywheel. Designed for a Machine Design and Manufacturing course, the project brings an expressive form into a working mechanical assembly.

02 / Modeling & balance

I modeled all parts in SolidWorks and used center-of-mass analysis of the flywheel sub-assembly to determine the balance weight dimensions. The assembly renders document the relationship between the bridge-inspired structure, flywheel, and engine components.

03 / Machining & testing

The engine was machined with a polished finish on the flywheel and a brushed finish on the bedplate. During testing, the engine ran at over 1,100 RPM.

SolidWorks assembly renders

Front assembly render — Front view · Compass-rose flywheel and bridge-inspired bedplate

Isometric assembly render — Isometric view · Full engine assembly

Rear assembly render — Rear view · Linkage and engine components

Finished engine · Lightbox photographs

Front view of the finished engine showing the compass-rose flywheel and bridge silhouette — Front view · The machined compass-rose flywheel and Golden Gate Bridge-inspired bedplate, assembled on the finished base.

Rear angled view showing the Stirling engine linkage, cylinder, and back of the flywheel — Mechanism view · The rear angle reveals the connecting linkage, cylinder assembly, and flywheel sub-assembly.

Engine in motion

VIDEO / OPTIONAL

Test video coming later

Test footage coming soon · Engine ran at over 1,100 RPM.

NEXT PROJECT

M3 Math Modeling Paper

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