Composite forming apparatus

A method comprising:

• placing a first ply onto a base, the base having a number of cavities, wherein the first ply overlaps onto a plate;
• placing a portion of a first sheet onto the first ply;
• placing a second ply onto the first ply;
• connecting the first sheet to the plate;
• placing a drape directly over the first ply, the second ply, and the first sheet;
• drawing a vacuum under the drape;
• and
• lowering the plate, wherein the first sheet moves as the plate is lowered.

A method comprising:

• laying up a plurality of composite plies onto a base and a plate, wherein:
• the plate is configured to move in a cavity;
• the plurality of composite plies overlaps the plate;
• the plate is disposed laterally adjacent the base;
• the plurality of composite plies and a plurality of sheets are interleaved along a periphery of the base;
• and
• the plurality of sheets is connected to the plate;
• placing a drape over the plurality of composite plies and the plurality of sheets;
• and
• lowering the plate in the cavity to form the plurality of composite plies around an edge of the base;
• wherein, the plurality of composite plies and the plurality of sheets have:
• a first respective configuration prior to lowering the plate;
• a second respective configuration during lowering of the plate, the second respective configuration including the plurality of sheets bent away from the plate, the second respective configuration different than the first respective configuration;
• and
• a third respective configuration after lowering the plate, the third respective configuration different than the second respective configuration, and the third respective configuration different than the first respective configuration.