Abstract: In a method of applying a constrained layer damping material 18 to a component 16, the material 18 is placed on the component 16, and pressure is applied over substantially the entire area of the material 18 for not less than 5 minutes and not more than 8 hours, the pressure being not less than 34 kPa, and the temperature being maintained at not less 80° C. and not more than 180° C. for the duration of the application of pressure.

Abstract: A support element 22 is fitted between adjacent vanes 8, 14 in a gas turbine engine, in order to suppress vibrations in the vanes 8, 14. The support element 22 comprises a body portion 24 and pad portions 38, 40 which contact the vanes 8, 14 over a wide area to restrain displacement of the vanes 8, 14 while minimising overstressing.

Abstract: A fluid flow machine comprises an array of vanes (2) which are supported at their ends by inner and outer support structures 4, 6. The ends of the vanes are received in slots 8, 10, with resilient material 12 disposed between the vane 2 and the wall of the slot 8, 10. A restraint element 14, 34 is mounted in a recess 26, 28; 48 of the support structure 4, 6 and is engaged by a notch 30, 32 in the vane 2 to restrict axial displacement of the vane 2. Consequently, vibration of the vane in directions perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the vane are damped by the elastomeric material 12 but bodily axial displacement of the vane 2 is prevented by the restraint elements 14, 34.