A support damper is provided for a bearing assembly to improve the damping
capabilities of an uncentered squeeze film damper and to provide a
support structure stiffness to minimize rotor to structure unbalance
response. In one embodiment, and by way of example only, the support
damper includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and U-shaped beams. The
inner ring is configured to be disposed around the bearing assembly and
to extend axially along a portion thereof. The outer ring is spaced apart
from the inner ring and extends radially outwardly relative thereto. The
U-shaped beams couple the inner ring to the outer ring. Methods of
manufacturing the support damper are also provided.