How is heat transferred between fuel particles in conduction?

Heat transfer between fuel particles through conduction occurs by direct contact. In this process, when one particle or material is heated, it becomes excited and its molecules begin to vibrate more vigorously. These vibrations can be transmitted to adjacent particles that are in contact with it. As a result, energy is transferred from the hotter particle to the cooler one, raising the temperature of the cooler particle.

Conduction is most effective in solid materials where particles are closely packed together, allowing for efficient transfer of thermal energy through direct contact. This is fundamental in understanding how wildland fires can spread through differing fuels, as the direct contact between fuel elements allows heat to rise and facilitates the ignition of nearby materials.