Objectives  The mounting structure of a ship is an important piece of equipment for vibration reduction. In order to improve the vibration reduction effect of the mounting structure, damping material is often pasted onto its surface.

  Methods  The vibration level difference of the mounting structure's acceleration parameters is defined as the evaluation index. Based on the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization(SIMP) model, a topological optimization model of free damping material distribution is established. In the optimization formulation, the constraints ensure the optimal distribution of damping material on the surface of the structure while the total volume of damping material is certain. Finally, based on the Finite Element Model (FEM) of the structure, the optimal damping materials for the laying scheme are ascertained. The results of topological optimization are tested and verified by the model test.

  Results  The optimal free damping material distribution of amounting structure is obtained.

  Conclusions  The research results have value as a reference for the design of the mounting structures of ships and the application of composite materials.