System, method, and apparatus for use in ply compaction in forming a composite structure

An apparatus for use in ply compaction in forming a composite structure, the apparatus comprising:

• a forming tool comprising a work surface, wherein the forming tool comprises a length dimension, and wherein the work surface comprises a web surface and at least one flange surface that is angled relative to the web surface;
• a chassis extending over the forming tool, wherein the chassis is movable relative to the forming tool along the length dimension;
• and
• at least one flange forming device coupled to the chassis, wherein the at least one flange forming device is rotatable relative to the chassis about a yaw axis based on a relative orientation of the at least one flange forming device to the work surface, the at least one flange forming device comprising a forming head that is laterally movable relative to the forming tool when engaged therewith to selectively apply pressure to only one of the web surface and the flange surface of the work surface, wherein movement of the forming head is defined by a range of motion that traverses the forming head across at least a portion of the web surface and across at least a portion of the at least one flange surface.