Subject: How does a torch work?

As a fire performer (including fire eating) I make and use a  number of
tools using a metal tube with a kevlar ribbon wrapped around it.
I know that candles principally use capillary action to transport melted wax
up the wick to be atomized at the incendiary point of focus.  But our wicks
don't seem to work that way, because of the absorbed liquid fuel, there
isn't really an "up" for the fuel to wick towards.  Plus, many of the tools
are spun.  In those cases, I would think that centrifugal forces would be
much more important than capillary action.  But what about when the tool
isn't moving?

I believe that the heat of the full flame causes the absorbed liquid fuels to
dislodge, expand and move towards the surface of the wick through a
reduction of the cohesive bonding.  It's also possible that the liquid is
converting to gas from the heat of the flame and the expanding gasses are
fueling the fire directly, after expanding out to the edge of the wick.

What's your take on it?

Re: How does a torch work?