Apparatus and methods for forming composite stiffeners and reinforcing structures

An apparatus for forming elongated composite structural members comprising:

• a table configured to rotate about a defined axis;
• at least one mandrel mounted on the table, the at least one mandrel exhibiting a substantially elongated geometry including at least one substantially arcuate portion;
• a carriage assembly disposed adjacent the table;
• at least one roller exhibiting a geometry configured to at least partially complementarily engage the at least one mandrel and roll thereover, the at least one roller coupled with the carriage assembly;
• at least one material dispensing device configured to dispense at least one ply of material onto the at least one mandrel;
• and
• at least one force applying mechanism located and configured to apply a desired force to the at least one ply and induce a desired amount of tension therein while the material is on the at least one mandrel and while the at least one roller passes over the at least one ply disposed on the at least one mandrel.