HEAT TREATMENT TOOLING FIXTURE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Systems and methods for controlling exotherms in a fibrous preform during carbonization include one or more temperature control channels disposed in a heat treatment tooling fixture. A fluid may be moved through the temperature control channel(s) for controlling a temperature of the fibrous preform as the fibrous preform is heated during carbonization. A fluid source and a valve arrangement may be controlled for regulating a flow of fluid through the temperature control channel(s). In this manner, the fibrous preform may be uniformly brought to a temperature range such that shrinking of the fibrous preform occurs simultaneously and uniformly throughout the fibrous preform.