Clamshell shape forming systems and methods

A method for shape forming a composite part, the method comprising:

• positioning an oxidized PAN fiber preform between a first forming mold of a shape forming fixture and a second forming mold of the shape forming fixture, the first forming mold is pivotally coupled to the second forming mold;
• rotating the first forming mold toward the second forming mold to compress the oxidized PAN fiber preform therebetween;
• and
• forming the oxidized PAN fiber preform into a shaped body as the first forming mold is rotated toward the second forming mold;
• wherein:
• the first forming mold comprises a first plurality of undulations defining a first contact surface of the first forming mold, the first plurality of undulations converge toward a hinge side of the first forming mold, and the first contact surface defines a flat surface disposed between the hinge side of the first forming mold and the first plurality of undulations;
• the second forming mold comprises a second plurality of undulations defining a second contact surface of the second forming mold, the second plurality of undulations converge toward a hinge side of the second forming mold, the second contact surface defines a second flat surface disposed between the hinge side of the second forming mold and the second plurality of undulations, and the second plurality of undulations are configured to interlock with the first plurality of undulations, and
• the shape forming fixture further comprises a hinge, whereby the first forming mold is pivotally coupled to the second forming mold.