In this article the dynamic model of a tunnel kiln is developed in detail, based on the transient heat conduction occurring in the products (or wares) and in the lining bricks of kiln cars (LBKC), as well as on the gas continuity, heat balance, and material balance equations. The computational method used to solve the present model is discussed briefly. Numerical simulations associated with a 72-m-long tunnel kiln that is used for firing clay bricks were performed Transient heat conduction in two dimensions in wares and in LBKC were computed. Two oxygen schedules under one firing schedule and three lining brick structures were simulated. The fuel consumption and flow rates of primary air, cooling air, and exhaust flow were investigated under different atmosphere (i. e., oxygen concentration) schedules. The relationship between the fuel consumption and heat storage rate in wares and in LBKC was also studied. The results of the present numerical simulations show that, using the present model, we can predict the following parameters. temperature distributions in wares and in lining bricks and in metal parts of kiln cars; fuel consumption; heat losses; heat storage and heat storage rates in wares, in lining bricks, and in metal parts of kiln cars; gas flow; and exhaust components. The present results disclose that the dynamic characteristic of a tunnel kiln is dominated by the transient heat conduction in wares and in lining bricks. This transient feature determines the tunnel kiln behavior, such as fuel consumption, cooling air flow, exhaust flow, heat storage and heat loss, etc. The results obtained are in good agreement with the practical situation. From the present simulations two types of energy-saving structures of kiln cars are suggested.