Context:
Venturi (mainly cause I had no idea what this was when I came in):
a device that connects to compressed air (left side in the picture below, labeled “air supply” and uses it to create a vacuum through the bottom nozzle.
good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZkPFrQCDk&ab_channel=PhysicsDemos
In the pre-COVID first stage layup of the bottom panel, a single venturi and vacuum pump were used. However, these two in conjunction were not enough to hold vacuum on the bottom panel.
Vacuum is important for curing carbon fiber as constant pressure on the prepreg is needed for the resin to flow and “wet out” the fibers. Without it, surface layers would become resin starved and in turn, much weaker.
The Approach
Use a bunch of venturi’s to “beat” the rate of air leakage. In theory, the air being pulled out and the air entering the bag via leaks will even out at some point and rest at constant pressure so long as the venturi's stay on and the vacuum bag is not compromised.
Vacuum bag pictures