The aim of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of capillarity in porous media across different scales. This is achieved through a systematic approach that revisits conventional definitions of capillary pressure and demonstrates how they represent special cases of a more advanced and comprehensive capillarity framework. The course thoroughly explores the role of capillarity in controlling the behavior and fate of fluids flowing through porous media.

The program begins by explaining the fundamental mechanisms of capillarity at various scales. Key concepts—such as immiscibility, fluid–fluid interfaces, surface tension, surface energy, hydrophobicity, wettability, and pressure—are introduced from a molecular perspective to establish a solid physical foundation.

Capillary pressure is then defined at the pore scale, followed by its extension to the core (Darcy) scale. Methods for measuring capillary pressure–saturation relationships are explained, and the causes and implications of capillary hysteresis are discussed. The course concludes with the introduction of an advanced theory of capillarity, providing participants with a deeper conceptual framework for understanding and modeling multiphase flow in porous media.