Grooved mold apparatus and process for forming fiber reinforced composite structures

摘要

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a process for forming a fiber-reinforced resin structure against a mold surface by vacuum bag forming. The process includes grooving the mold surface to form resin distribution conduits therein. A fiber-reinforced ply is distributed adjacent the mold surface. A flexible covering is placed over the fiber-reinforced ply and the mold surface to form a chamber therebetween. The chamber is evacuated. Resin is dispensed into the evacuated chamber such that the resin enters the resin distribution conduits and is thereby distributed about the ply.