Purpose <p>The growing demand for enhanced energy efficiency in the industrial sector necessitates increasingly precise analyses of rotor dynamics and, in many cases, the implementation of vibration control systems to maintain acceptable vibration levels in rotating machinery. This paper presents numerical and experimental studies to address the challenges limiting the widespread application of viscoelastic supports (VES) by proposing a constructively simple and optimally designed VES that delivers high static stiffness while effectively reducing unbalance response.</p> Method <p>A finite element model of the rotating system was developed, and parametric optimization techniques were employed to design the viscoelastic support for maximum reduction of the system’s unbalance response. The feasibility of achieving significant vibration control using a single VES, rather than multiple supports, was also investigated. A prototype of the optimized support was fabricated for experimental validation.</p> Results <p>The mathematical model proposed to describe the dynamic behavior of the composite system with VES is capable of adequately representing these systems and the methodology can be used to design simple VES for application in rotating machines. Furthermore, it was found that, with the application of a single VES, it is possible to obtain a large reduction in the response to unbalance.</p> Conclusion <p>The study successfully demonstrates the practical applicability and structural efficiency of a simplified, optimally designed viscoelastic support for vibration control in rotating machinery. This contributes to overcoming key barriers to the broader adoption of VES, offering a promising solution for improving energy efficiency, reliability, and safety in industrial applications.</p>