Rotational vacuum assisted resin transfer molding

Apparatus for producing a composite fiber structure, comprising:

• a forming tool comprising:
• a first tube;
• a motor connected to the first tube;
• a support connected to the motor, to the first tube, and to a tubular mold, wherein the tubular mold is disposed around the first tube at a radial distance from the first tube, wherein the tubular mold and the first tube are substantially coaxial, wherein the tubular mold comprises an inside surface, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the first tube, the support, and the tubular mold substantially continuously in an angular direction;
• a bag disposed over the inside surface of the tubular mold, the bag comprising a vacuum bag, being substantially coaxial with the first tube and the tubular mold;
• a plurality of second tubes extending radially from the first tube and are positioned on a first half of the first tube relative to an entrance end of the first tube;
• and
• a plurality of third tubes extending radially from the first tube and are positioned on a second half of the first tube relative to an exit end of the first tube, wherein the plurality of second tubes and the plurality of third tubes are all configured to establish fluid communication between the first tube and a tubular space defined between the bag and the inside surface of the tubular mold;
• a resin injection system connected to the first tube and configured to inject a resin into the tubular space by conveying the resin first through the first tube, thence injecting the resin through the plurality of second tubes into the bag such that the resin flows over a surface of a layer disposed inside the tubular space;
• and
• a vacuum system connected to the first tube and configured to produce a vacuum through the plurality of third tubes and within the tubular space in order to assist the resin to pass through composite fibers forming a layup.