Viscoelastic damping design – A novel approach for shape optimization of Constrained Layer Damping treatments at different ambient temperatures

•A novel shape optimization approach for Constrained Layer Damping beams is introduced.•The width of the core and face layer is a design parameter for damping optimization.•Properties and performance of the optimization approach are analyzed.•The optimal design of a Constrained Layer Damping treatment is temperature-dependent.•An optimal design works less efficiently when operating at off-design temperature.•The dynamic behavior of a shape-optimized structure is experimentally validated.