Triangular current with capillary retention ($h=a\max \{0,\min (x-v_{R}t,2L+v_{A}t-x)\}$)

For capillary residual trapping of an initial triangular current, the method of characteristics translates its leading and trailing faces at $v_A=u/\varphi$ and $v_R=u/[\varphi (1-s)]$. Their intersection has height $a[L-(v_R-v_A)t/2]$. Extinction occurs at $t_{\ast }=2L/(v_R-v_A)$ and position $x_{\ast }=2L/s$. These formulas require $0<s<1$; at zero residual saturation the triangle translates indefinitely.

For the triangular current with capillary retention, the initial trailing face is already the maximum for $0<x<L$. Further upslope, the maximum occurs when the moving crest passes. HenceThe final trapped phase has saturation $s$ below this envelope. Its volume is $\varphi s\int M_{\infty }dx=\varphi a{L}^2$, exactly the initial mobile volume. Maximum invaded thickness is distinct from residual saturation: $s$ multiplies occupied pore volume rather than shrinking the geometrical envelope.