Patent ID: 7665897

Claim:
A squeeze film damper for use in an engine, comprising: a fluid source; a shaft extending axially through the engine and having an annular channel extending at least partially therethrough, and further including an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening formed therebetween, the annular channel configured to receive fluid from a fluid source, the opening in communication with the annular channel and configured to receive the fluid therefrom; a bearing assembly disposed concentric to the shaft and including an inner race coupled to the shaft, an outer race disposed concentric to the inner race, and a rolling element disposed between the inner and outer races, each of the inner and outer races including openings therethrough configured to receive fluid from the shaft opening; a static bearing support housing at least partially coupled to and surrounding the outer race, the housing including an inner surface spaced apart from the outer race to define a clearance therebetween; a first dam disposed adjacent the bearing assembly, the first dam extending radially inwardly relative to the bearing support housing and defining a shelf for receiving the fluid from the race openings and directing the fluid into the clearance; and a second dam extending radially inwardly relative to the bearing support housing located aft relative to the bearing and extending from the outer race, the second dam configured to maintain at least a portion of the fluid between the dams.