Systems and methods for compacting a charge of composite material

A vacuum compaction device for compacting a charge of composite material on a supporting surface, wherein the device is configured to be positioned on the supporting surface to define an enclosed volume, the device comprising:

• a barrier structure that includes a first side, which is defined by a first planar wall, and an opposed second side, which is defined by a second planar wall, wherein the first planar wall further includes a first inner side that is opposed to the first side, wherein the second planar wall further includes a second inner side that opposed to the second side, wherein the second inner side is spaced-apart from the first inner side, wherein the barrier structure further includes a plurality of spaced-apart elongate webs that extends between the first inner side of the first planar wall and the second inner side of the second planar wall, wherein the first inner side of the first planar wall, the second inner side of the second planar wall, and the plurality of spaced-apart elongate webs together define a plurality of elongate channels;
• a sealing structure that is configured to form a fluid seal between the supporting surface and the barrier structure when compressed therebetween;
• and
• a vacuum distribution manifold that is in fluid communication with, and configured to selectively apply a vacuum to, the enclosed volume, wherein the plurality of elongate channels defines at least a portion of the vacuum distribution manifold.