Patent ID: 8652388

Claim:
A method of manufacturing a composite structure comprising the steps of: using a tool comprising a first tube, a motor connected to the first tube, and a support connected to the motor, to the first tube, and to a mold, wherein the mold is disposed around the first tube at a radial distance relative to the first tube, wherein the mold comprises an inside surface, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the first tube, the support, and the mold substantially continuously in an angular direction, wherein the tool further comprises a second tube extending radially from the first tube and a third tube extending radially from the first tube, wherein the second tube and third tube both establish fluid communication between the first tube and a tubular space defined between a bag and the inside surface of the mold, and wherein using the tool comprises at least causing a composite fiber layup to be disposed inside the tubular space; introducing a resin into the composite fiber layup by injecting the resin through the first tube, and thereafter through the second and third tubes, into the tubular space, and onto the composite fiber layup; urging the resin into the composite fiber layup by applying a vacuum to the composite fiber layup while the resin is being introduced; and reducing settling of the resin in the composite fiber layup due to gravitational force by rotating the first tube, the support, and the mold in the angular direction, using the motor, as the resin is introduced into the composite fiber layup and as the vacuum is applied, wherein during rotation the composite fiber layup is periodically inverted with respect to the gravitational force; and forming the composite structure by curing the resin while rotating.