Grooved core pattern for optimum resin distribution

A process for optimizing resin distribution during VARTM fabrication of a fiber-reinforced resin structure having a core body having a core upper surface extending between first and second edges, and at least one ply disposed upon the core upper surface, the process comprising:

• (a) forming a resin infusion port along the first edge for dispensing resin thereat;
• (b) forming a vacuum application port along the second edge for drawing a vacuum thereat;
• (c) defining a longitudinal resin flow axis extending along the core upper surface between the first and second edges;
• (d) forming longitudinal resin distribution grooves along the core upper surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal resin flow axis;
• (e) arraying lateral resin distribution grooves along the core upper surface by forming the lateral resin distribution grooves to intersect the longitudinal resin distribution grooves, the lateral resin distribution grooves are selectively spaced to wet the fiber-reinforced ply at substantially equal ply resin wetting rates in directions along the longitudinal resin flow axis and perpendicular thereto across the core upper surface upon the introduction of resin at the resin infusion;
• (f) applying at least one fiber-reinforced ply upon the grooved core upper surface;
• (g) drawing a vacuum between the resin infusion and the vacuum application ports;
• and
• (h) dispensing resin at the resin infusion port.