A numerical method based on 3 D turbulence flow was applied to simulate the flow pattern in suction boxes of six different types. In light of the computational results, the basic flow patterns in the boxes were revealed and a theoretical method to optimize hydraulically design of the suction box is developed. The box geometrical parameters, which influence the flow pattern in the box, could be optimized. The optimum criteria for the hydraulic design of the suction boxes of six types established, respectively. Furthermore, a summarization is given here based on the classification of the basic flow patterns in order to systematically understand the hydraulic design of suction boxes. A numerical method based on 3 D turbulence flow was applied to simulate the flow pattern in the suction boxes of six different types. In light of the computational results, the basic flow patterns in the boxes were revealed and a theoretical method to optimize hydraulically design of the suction box is developed. The box geometrical parameters, which influence the flow pattern in the box, could be optimized. The optimum criteria for the hydraulic design of the suction boxes of six types established, respectively. the classification of the basic flow patterns in order to systematically understand the hydraulic design of suction boxes.