This study is focused on the heat and mass transfer in the complex process of ignition of diesel fuel by a local heat source. The main macroscopic rules governing the ignition of liquid fuel by small steel and ceramic particles heated from 1200 K to 1500 K are established and reported. The investigated parameters are the ignition time delay for different igniters i.e. with different sizes, temperatures, porosities and thermophysical properties. Physical and mathematical models are elaborated. The experimental results are used to describe the interactions between the local heat source and the liquid fuel. Numerical simulations of heat transfer processes are carried out taking into account the vaporization and the heat production by the oxidation reaction. The border line defining the limit of the stable ignition domain is determined for diesel fuel. Possible modes and mechanisms of ignition under laboratory conditions are established. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.