The damping coefficient calculation formula of a finite length cylindrical squeeze film damper was evaluated, and experimental research was conducted via pulse excitation method on an open-ended SFD, the experimental results were compared with the theoretical results and further analysis was taken to obtain the conditions and parameters which effect the damper coefficient. As a consequence, both the oil-supply way and the oil pressure have significant effects on the damper coefficient, what’s more, the pulse excitation method works exactly well while the SFD damper coefficient is not very big.