The natural frequencies and loss factors in cylindrical shells with a constrained viscoelastic layer between two isotropic, elastic facings are studied using the finite element method. The finite element is developed based on a discrete layer theory assuming variation of inplane displacements across the thickness and a constant transverse displacement. Effects of the boundary conditions, shear parameter and ratio of core to facing thickness on the natural frequencies and loss factors of cylindrical shells are presented. © 1993.