The ANSYS harmonic response results are post-processed with the energy method to obtain the damping loss factor (DLF) of different types of free damping structures. Firstly, the DLF of free damping cylindrical shell in air is compared with DLF of free damping plate in air. Secondly, the DLF of free damping cylindrical shell with stiffened ribs in air is compared with that without stiffened ribs in air. Thirdly, the DLF of free damping cylindrical shell in water is compared with the DLF of free damping plate in water. Fourthly, the DLF of free damping cylindrical shell with stiffened ribs in water is compared with that without stiffened ribs in water. In the end, based on the above analysis, the backing design problem in air and water are discussed. Studies have shown that: DLF of free damping cylindrical shell is close to that of free damping plate in air; DLF of free damping cylindrical shell with stiffened ring ribs is close to that without stiffened ring ribs in air; When testing free damping cylindrical shells DLF in air, plate with the same thickness can be used as the backing; DLF of free damping plate is close to that of free damping cylindrical shell in water; DLF of free damping cylindrical shell with stiffened ring ribs is close to that without stiffened ring ribs in water; When testing free damping cylindrical shells DLF in water, plate with the same thickness can be used as the backing.