Coupling mechanism of suction port position and intensity on aerodynamic performance of a suction-type turbosail

The key to improving ship wind energy utilization efficiency lies in optimizing the aerodynamic performance of suction-type turbosails, yet the coupling mechanism of suction port position (α) and suction intensity (γ) remains unrevealed. Focusing on the attack angle of β = −15°, this study established a two-dimensional numerical simulation using the renormalization group k–ε turbulence model and semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations algorithm to explore the coupling effect of α (5°–85°) and γ (0.2–2.0). Results show a significant synergistic regulation with three distinct regimes of aerodynamic performance. The optimal parameter range was identified as α = 35°–55° coupled with γ = 1.2–2.0, achieving high lift coefficient (CL = 5.168–6.217), low drag coefficient (CD = 0.290–0.556), and high lift-drag ratio (R = 10.652–21.241). Flow field analysis confirms favorable pressure gradient, over 85% airflow attachment rate, and a uniform and well-organized time-averaged wake structure. A three-level parameter zoning system was proposed. This study quantifies the α–γ coupling regulation law, fills the theoretical gap of multi-parameter collaborative optimization for turbosails, and provides directly applicable design criteria for full-scale ships, contributing to shipping decarbonization.