Heat treatment tooling fixture temperature control systems and methods

A method for controlling exotherms during a carbonization process of a fibrous preform, the method comprising:

• positioning the fibrous preform in a heat treatment tooling fixture;
• heating the fibrous preform in a furnace while the fibrous preform is positioned in the heat treatment tooling fixture;
• moving a first fluid through a first temperature control channel disposed in the heat treatment tooling fixture;
• moving a second fluid through a second temperature control channel disposed in the heat treatment tooling fixture;
• measuring a first outlet temperature of the first fluid;
• measuring a second outlet temperature of the second fluid;
• and
• varying at least one of a flow rate or a temperature of the first fluid based on the first outlet temperature and the second outlet temperature.

A heat treatment tooling fixture arrangement, comprising:

• a female forming tool comprising a die recess, the female forming tool extends longitudinally along a longitudinal centerline of the female forming tool between and to a first end of the female forming tool and a second end of the female forming tool, and the female forming tool extends laterally between and to a first side of the female forming tool and a second side of the female forming tool;
• a first plug configured to be received by the die recess, the first plug comprising a first angled surface;
• a wedge configured to be received by the die recess, the wedge extends longitudinally along a longitudinal centerline of the wedge between and to a first end of the wedge and a second end of the wedge, the wedge extends laterally between and to a first side of the wedge and a second side of the wedge, the first side of the wedge comprises a first tapered surface;
• wherein the first tapered surface of the wedge is configured to engage the first angled surface of the first plug;
• the first angled surface comprises a first channel extending longitudinally therethrough and the first tapered surface comprises a second channel extending longitudinally therethrough;
• wherein:
• in response to the wedge moving to a first position with respect to the first plug, the first channel and the second channel form a first temperature control channel defining a first fluid flow path comprising a first surface area;
• and
• in response to the wedge moving to a second position with respect to the first plug, the first channel and the second channel form a second temperature control channel defining a second fluid flow path comprising a second surface area different from the first surface area.