Abstract: A constrained layer damping assembly for a rigid base member having a substantially planar surface comprises a gas impervious damping layer disposed on the substantially planar surface of the base member, and a load element disposed on the damping layer. The damping layer defines at least one void region extending between the planar surface and the load element, and the load element defines at least one channel for coupling a low pressure to the void region relative to the pressure external to the constrained layer damping assembly to establish a pressure differential between the inside of the void region and the outside of the constrained layer damping assembly. The pressure differential keeps the damping layer under compression and secures the load element and the damping layer onto the base member.