diff --git a/docs/examples/3_point_bending.py b/docs/examples/3_point_bending.py
index a87d60c..4a08d88 100644
--- a/docs/examples/3_point_bending.py
+++ b/docs/examples/3_point_bending.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 # Setting up the Beam
 # -------------------
 # First, initialize the setup for the simply supported beam with a distributed load.
-# Define the geometry, the mesh, and the load.
+# Define the geometry, the mesh, and the load. Not defined parameters are set to default values (from class function default_parameters).
 # Note, all parameters must be pint objects:
 
 parameters = {}
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@
 # Initializing the Linear Elasticity Problem
 # ------------------------------------------
 # Second, initialize the linear elastic problem using the setup object and further material parameters:
+# Again not defined parameters are set to default values (from class function default_parameters).
 
 parameters["rho"] = 7750 * ureg("kg/m^3")
 parameters["E"] = 210e9 * ureg("N/m^2")
diff --git a/docs/examples/cylinder.py b/docs/examples/cylinder.py
index 0f96e8a..b50e384 100644
--- a/docs/examples/cylinder.py
+++ b/docs/examples/cylinder.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 # * `mesh_density` (mesh density) in 1/m
 #
 # The parameters must be defined as `pint` objects
+# Parameters required but not defined are set to default values (from class function default_parameters).
 #
 # Example code
 # ------------
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/am_multiple_layers.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/am_multiple_layers.py
index 949ee66..3c0d439 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/am_multiple_layers.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/am_multiple_layers.py
@@ -34,13 +34,7 @@ def __init__(self, parameters: dict[str, pint.Quantity]):
 
         """
 
-        # initialize default parameters for the setup
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        # default_p['dummy'] = 'example' * ureg('')  # example default parameter for this class
-
-        # updating parameters, overriding defaults
-        default_p.update(parameters)
-        super().__init__(default_p)
+        super().__init__(parameters)
 
     @staticmethod
     def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
@@ -52,6 +46,7 @@ def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
         """
 
         setup_parameters = {}
+        setup_parameters["degree"] = 2 * ureg("")  # polynomial degree
         # geometry
         setup_parameters["dim"] = 2 * ureg("")
         setup_parameters["num_layers"] = 10 * ureg("")  # number of layers in y
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/base_experiment.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/base_experiment.py
index c6ebeb2..5167603 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/base_experiment.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/base_experiment.py
@@ -30,14 +30,33 @@ def __init__(self, parameters: dict[str, pint.Quantity]) -> None:
         """
 
         # initialize parameter attributes
-        default_setup_parameters = Parameters()
-        # setting up default setup parameters
-        default_setup_parameters["degree"] = 2 * ureg("")  # polynomial degree
+        setup_parameters = Parameters()
 
+        # setting up default setup parameters defined in each child
+        default_p = self.default_parameters()
+        setup_parameters.update(default_p)
         # update with input parameters
-        default_setup_parameters.update(parameters)
+        setup_parameters.update(parameters)
+
+        # get logger info which parameters are set to default values
+        # plus check dimensionality of input parameters
+        keys_set_default = []
+        for key in dict(default_p):
+            if key not in parameters:
+                keys_set_default.append(key)
+            else:
+                # check if units are compatible
+                dim_given = parameters[key].dimensionality
+                dim_default = default_p[key].dimensionality
+                if dim_given != dim_default:
+                    raise ValueError(
+                        f"given units for {key} are not compatible with default units: {dim_given} != {dim_default}"
+                    )
+        self.logger.info(f"for the following parameters, the default values are used: {keys_set_default}")
+
         # as attribute
-        self.parameters = default_setup_parameters
+        self.parameters = setup_parameters
+
         # remove units for use in fem model
         self.p = self.parameters.to_magnitude()
 
@@ -59,6 +78,8 @@ def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
 
         """
 
+        pass
+
     @abstractmethod
     def create_displacement_boundary(self, V: df.fem.FunctionSpace) -> list[df.fem.bcs.DirichletBCMetaClass] | None:
         """defines empty displacement boundary conditions (to be done in child)
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/cantilever_beam.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/cantilever_beam.py
index 6cf1daf..7b06b38 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/cantilever_beam.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/cantilever_beam.py
@@ -27,14 +27,7 @@ def __init__(self, parameters: dict[str, pint.Quantity] | None = None):
 
         """
 
-        # initialize default parameters for the setup
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        # default_p['dummy'] = 'example' * ureg('')  # example default parameter for this class
-
-        # updating parameters, overriding defaults
-        default_p.update(parameters)
-
-        super().__init__(default_p)
+        super().__init__(parameters)
 
     def setup(self) -> None:
         """defines the mesh for 2D or 3D
@@ -77,6 +70,7 @@ def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
         """
 
         setup_parameters = {}
+
         setup_parameters["length"] = 1 * ureg("m")
         setup_parameters["height"] = 0.3 * ureg("m")
         setup_parameters["width"] = 0.3 * ureg("m")  # only relevant for 3D case
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/compression_cylinder.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/compression_cylinder.py
index f94ebfa..a58c2d2 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/compression_cylinder.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/compression_cylinder.py
@@ -90,12 +90,7 @@ def __init__(self, parameters: dict[str, pint.Quantity] | None = None) -> None:
 
         """
 
-        # initialize a set of default parameters
-        p = Parameters()
-
-        p.update(parameters)
-
-        super().__init__(p)
+        super().__init__(parameters)
 
         # initialize variable top_displacement
         self.top_displacement = df.fem.Constant(domain=self.mesh, c=0.0)  # applied via fkt: apply_displ_load(...)
@@ -127,7 +122,7 @@ def setup(self) -> None:
             # until the bottom surface area matches that of a circle with the initially defined radius
             def create_cylinder_mesh(radius, p):
                 # generate cylinder mesh using gmsh
-                mesh = generate_cylinder_mesh(radius, p["height"], p["mesh_density"], p["degree"])
+                mesh = generate_cylinder_mesh(radius, p["height"], p["mesh_density"], p["element_order"])
                 facets = df.mesh.locate_entities_boundary(mesh, 2, plane_at(0.0, 2))
                 tdim = mesh.topology.dim
                 f_v = mesh.topology.connectivity(tdim - 1, 0).array.reshape(-1, 3)
@@ -169,6 +164,7 @@ def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
         """
 
         default_parameters = {}
+        default_parameters["element_order"] = 2 * ureg("")  # polynomial degree
 
         # boundary setting
         default_parameters["bc_setting"] = "free" * ureg("")  # boundary setting, two options available: fixed and free
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_beam.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_beam.py
index c9733bf..edfecdb 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_beam.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_beam.py
@@ -31,14 +31,7 @@ def __init__(self, parameters: dict[str, pint.Quantity]) -> None:
 
         """
 
-        # initialize default parameters for the setup
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        default_p["degree"] = 2 * ureg("")  # polynomial degree
-
-        # updating parameters, overriding defaults
-        default_p.update(parameters)
-
-        super().__init__(default_p)
+        super().__init__(parameters)
 
     def setup(self):
         """defines the mesh for 2D or 3D
@@ -81,6 +74,7 @@ def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
         """
 
         setup_parameters = {}
+
         setup_parameters["load"] = 10000 * ureg("N/m^2")
         setup_parameters["length"] = 1 * ureg("m")
         setup_parameters["height"] = 0.3 * ureg("m")
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_cube.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_cube.py
index f48ad05..33e0fca 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_cube.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/simple_cube.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 from fenicsxconcrete.boundary_conditions.bcs import BoundaryConditions
 from fenicsxconcrete.experimental_setup.base_experiment import Experiment
-from fenicsxconcrete.util import Parameters, ureg
+from fenicsxconcrete.util import LogMixin, Parameters, ureg
 
 
 class SimpleCube(Experiment):
@@ -33,17 +33,7 @@ def __init__(self, parameters: dict[str, pint.Quantity] | None = None) -> None:
                         see default_parameters for a first guess
         """
 
-        # initialize a set of default parameters
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        default_p["height"] = 1 * ureg("m")
-        default_p["width"] = 1 * ureg("m")
-        default_p["length"] = 1 * ureg("m")
-        default_p["T_0"] = ureg.Quantity(20.0, ureg.degC)
-        default_p["T_bc"] = ureg.Quantity(20.0, ureg.degC)
-
-        default_p.update(parameters)
-
-        super().__init__(default_p)
+        super().__init__(parameters)
 
     @staticmethod
     def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
@@ -56,6 +46,11 @@ def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
 
         setup_parameters = {}
 
+        setup_parameters["height"] = 1 * ureg("m")
+        setup_parameters["width"] = 1 * ureg("m")
+        setup_parameters["length"] = 1 * ureg("m")
+        setup_parameters["T_0"] = ureg.Quantity(20.0, ureg.degC)
+        setup_parameters["T_bc"] = ureg.Quantity(20.0, ureg.degC)
         setup_parameters["dim"] = 3 * ureg("")
         setup_parameters["num_elements_length"] = 2 * ureg("")
         setup_parameters["num_elements_width"] = 2 * ureg("")
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/tensile_beam.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/tensile_beam.py
index 50b2980..1567ef3 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/tensile_beam.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/experimental_setup/tensile_beam.py
@@ -26,14 +26,8 @@ def __init__(self, parameters: dict[str, pint.Quantity] | None = None) -> None:
                         see default_parameters for a first guess
 
         """
-        # initialize a set of "basic parameters"
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        # default_p['dummy'] = 'example' * ureg('')  # example default parameter for this class
 
-        # updating parameters, overriding defaults
-        default_p.update(parameters)
-
-        super().__init__(default_p)
+        super().__init__(parameters)
 
     def setup(self) -> None:
         """defines the mesh for 2D or 3D
@@ -76,6 +70,7 @@ def default_parameters() -> dict[str, pint.Quantity]:
         """
 
         setup_parameters = {}
+
         setup_parameters["length"] = 1 * ureg("m")
         setup_parameters["height"] = 0.3 * ureg("m")
         setup_parameters["width"] = 0.3 * ureg("m")  # only relevant for 3D case
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/base_material.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/base_material.py
index 6411b40..7a2f9b7 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/base_material.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/base_material.py
@@ -92,16 +92,34 @@ def __init__(
         self.experiment = experiment
         self.mesh = self.experiment.mesh
 
-        # setting up default material parameters
-        default_fem_parameters = Parameters()
-        default_fem_parameters["g"] = 9.81 * ureg("m/s^2")
-        default_fem_parameters["dt"] = 1.0 * ureg("s")
-
-        # adding experimental parameters to dictionary to combine to one
-        default_fem_parameters.update(self.experiment.parameters)
+        # initialize parameter attributes
+        setup_parameters = Parameters()
+        # setting up default setup parameters defined in each child
+        _, default_p = self.default_parameters()
+        setup_parameters.update(default_p)
+        # update with experiment parameters
+        setup_parameters.update(self.experiment.parameters)
         # update with input parameters
-        default_fem_parameters.update(parameters)
-        self.parameters = default_fem_parameters
+        setup_parameters.update(parameters)
+
+        # get logger info which input parameters are set to default values
+        # plus check dimensionality of input parameters
+        keys_set_default = []
+        for key in dict(default_p):
+            if key not in parameters:
+                keys_set_default.append(key)
+            else:
+                # check if units are compatible
+                dim_given = parameters[key].dimensionality
+                dim_default = default_p[key].dimensionality
+                if dim_given != dim_default:
+                    raise ValueError(
+                        f"given units for {key} are not compatible with default units: {dim_given} != {dim_default}"
+                    )
+        self.logger.info(f"for the following parameters, the default values are used: {keys_set_default}")
+
+        # set parameters as attribute
+        self.parameters = setup_parameters
         # remove units for use in fem model
         self.p = self.parameters.to_magnitude()
         self.experiment.p = self.p  # update experimental parameter list for use in e.g. boundary definition
@@ -135,6 +153,8 @@ def default_parameters() -> tuple[Experiment, dict[str, pint.Quantity]]:
         """returns a dictionary with required parameters and a set of working values as example"""
         # this must de defined in each setup class
 
+        pass
+
     @abstractmethod
     def setup(self) -> None:
         # initialization of this specific problem
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_am.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_am.py
index a168871..6c5a437 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_am.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_am.py
@@ -48,19 +48,19 @@ def __init__(
 
         """
 
-        # adding default material parameter, will be overridden by outside input
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        default_p["stress_state"] = "plane_strain" * ureg("")  # default stress state for 2D optional "plane_stress"
-
-        # updating parameters, overriding defaults
-        default_p.update(parameters)
+        # # adding default material parameter, will be overridden by outside input
+        # default_p = Parameters()
+        #  # default stress state for 2D optional "plane_stress"
+        #
+        # # updating parameters, overriding defaults
+        # default_p.update(parameters)
 
         if nonlinear_problem:
             self.nonlinear_problem = nonlinear_problem
         else:
             self.nonlinear_problem = ConcreteThixElasticModel  # default material
 
-        super().__init__(experiment, default_p, pv_name, pv_path)
+        super().__init__(experiment, parameters, pv_name, pv_path)
 
     @staticmethod
     def parameter_description() -> dict[str, str]:
@@ -73,12 +73,13 @@ def parameter_description() -> dict[str, str]:
         description = {
             "general parameters": {
                 "rho": "density of fresh concrete",
+                "g": "gravity",
                 "nu": "Poissons Ratio",
                 "degree": "Polynomial degree for the FEM model",
                 "q_degree": "Polynomial degree for which the quadrature rule integrates correctly",
                 "load_time": "time in which the load is applied",
                 "stress_state": "for 2D plain stress or plane strain",
-                "dt": "time step",  # default set in material base class
+                "dt": "time step",
             },
             "ThixElasticModel": {
                 "E_0": "Youngs Modulus at age=0",
@@ -112,10 +113,13 @@ def default_parameters(
         joined_parameters = {
             # Material parameter for concrete model with structural build-up
             "rho": 2070 * ureg("kg/m^3"),  # density of fresh concrete
+            "g": 9.81 * ureg("m/s^2"),  # gravity
             "nu": 0.3 * ureg(""),  # Poissons Ratio
             # other model parameters
-            # "degree": 2 * ureg(""),  # polynomial degree --> default defined in base_experiment!!
+            "degree": 2 * ureg(""),  # polynomial degree
             "q_degree": 2 * ureg(""),  # quadrature rule
+            "stress_state": "plane_strain" * ureg(""),  # for 2D stress state
+            "dt": 1.0 * ureg("s"),  # time step
             "load_time": 60 * ureg("s"),  # body force load applied in s
         }
         if not non_linear_problem or non_linear_problem == ConcreteThixElasticModel:
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_thermo_mechanical.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_thermo_mechanical.py
index 2f53779..86891e2 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_thermo_mechanical.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/concrete_thermo_mechanical.py
@@ -32,22 +32,23 @@ def __init__(
         pv_path: str | None = None,
     ) -> None:
 
-        # adding default material parameter, will be overridden by outside input
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        # default_p['dummy'] = 'example' * ureg('')  # example default parameter for this class
+        # # adding default material parameter, will be overridden by outside input
+        # default_p = Parameters()
+        # # default_p['dummy'] = 'example' * ureg('')  # example default parameter for this class
+        #
+        # # updating parameters, overriding defaults
+        # default_p.update(parameters)
 
-        # updating parameters, overriding defaults
-        default_p.update(parameters)
-
-        super().__init__(experiment, default_p, pv_name, pv_path)
+        super().__init__(experiment, parameters, pv_name, pv_path)
 
     @staticmethod
     def parameter_description() -> dict[str, str]:
         description = {
             "igc": "Ideal gas constant",
             "rho": "Density of concrete",
-            "themal_cond": "Thermal conductivity",
-            "vol_heat_cap": "TODO",
+            "g": "Gravitational acceleration",
+            "thermal_cond": "effective thermal conductivity",
+            "vol_heat_cap": "volumetric heat capacity",
             "Q_pot": "potential heat per weight of binder",
             "Q_inf": "potential heat per concrete volume",
             "B1": "numerical shape parameter for heat release function",
@@ -68,6 +69,7 @@ def parameter_description() -> dict[str, str]:
             "ft_inf": "reference value for the tensile strength, default infinity, otherwise at alpha_tx",
             "a_ft": "exponential parameter to change the shape of the function ft(DOH)",
             "evolution_ft": "flag to turn off the evolution of the tensile strength",
+            "dt": "time step",
         }
 
         return description
@@ -85,6 +87,7 @@ def default_parameters() -> tuple[Experiment, dict[str, pint.Quantity]]:
         default_parameters = {
             "igc": 8.3145 * ureg("J/K/mol"),
             "rho": 2350.0 * ureg("kg/m^3"),
+            "g": 9.81 * ureg("m/s^2"),
             "thermal_cond": 2.0 * ureg("W/(m*K)"),
             "vol_heat_cap": 2.4e6 * ureg("J/(m^3 * K)"),
             # "Q_pot": 500e3 * ureg("J/kg"), only needed for postprocessing
@@ -95,6 +98,7 @@ def default_parameters() -> tuple[Experiment, dict[str, pint.Quantity]]:
             "alpha_max": 0.875 * ureg(""),
             "alpha_tx": 0.68 * ureg(""),
             "T_ref": ureg.Quantity(25.0, ureg.degC),
+            "degree": 2 * ureg(""),
             "q_degree": 2 * ureg(""),
             "E_28": 15 * ureg("MPa"),
             "nu": 0.2 * ureg(""),
@@ -106,16 +110,16 @@ def default_parameters() -> tuple[Experiment, dict[str, pint.Quantity]]:
             "ft_inf": 467000 * ureg(""),
             "a_ft": 1.0 * ureg(""),
             "evolution_ft": "True" * ureg(""),
+            "dt": 1.0 * ureg("s"),
         }
-        default_parameters["E_act"] = 5653.0 * default_parameters["igc"] * ureg("J/mol")
+        default_parameters["E_act"] = 5653.0 * ureg("K") * default_parameters["igc"]
+
         return experiment, default_parameters
 
     def compute_residuals(self) -> None:
         pass
 
     def setup(self) -> None:
-        # TODO: the next line only makes a test pass. I don't like it either
-        _ = self.p["rho"]
         self.t = 0.0
 
         self.rule = QuadratureRule(cell_type=self.mesh.ufl_cell(), degree=self.p["q_degree"])
@@ -193,7 +197,6 @@ def solve(self) -> None:
 
         # set current DOH for computation of Young's modulus
         self.mechanics_problem.q_array_alpha[:] = self.temperature_problem.q_alpha.vector.array
-        # print('Solving: u') # TODO ouput only a certain log level INFO
 
         # mechanics paroblem is not required for temperature, could crash in frist time steps but then be useful
         try:
diff --git a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/linear_elasticity.py b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/linear_elasticity.py
index bd32428..e2c3fef 100644
--- a/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/linear_elasticity.py
+++ b/src/fenicsxconcrete/finite_element_problem/linear_elasticity.py
@@ -21,14 +21,14 @@ def __init__(
     ) -> None:
         """defines default parameters, for the rest, see base class"""
 
-        # adding default material parameter, will be overridden by outside input
-        default_p = Parameters()
-        default_p["stress_state"] = "plane_strain" * ureg("")  # default stress state in 2D, optional "plane_stress"
+        # # adding default material parameter, will be overridden by outside input
+        # default_p = Parameters()
+        # default_p["stress_state"] = "plane_strain" * ureg("")  # default stress state in 2D, optional "plane_stress"
+        #
+        # # updating parameters, overriding defaults
+        # default_p.update(parameters)
 
-        # updating parameters, overriding defaults
-        default_p.update(parameters)
-
-        super().__init__(experiment, default_p, pv_name, pv_path)
+        super().__init__(experiment, parameters, pv_name, pv_path)
 
     def setup(self) -> None:
         # compute different set of elastic moduli
@@ -84,6 +84,27 @@ def setup(self) -> None:
             petsc_options={"ksp_type": "preonly", "pc_type": "lu"},
         )
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def parameter_description() -> dict[str, str]:
+        """static method returning a description dictionary for required parameters
+
+        Returns:
+            description dictionary
+
+        """
+        description = {
+            "g": "gravity",
+            "dt": "time step",
+            "rho": "density of fresh concrete",
+            "E": "Young's Modulus",
+            "nu": "Poissons Ratio",
+            "stress_state": "for 2D plain stress or plane strain",
+            "degree": "Polynomial degree for the FEM model",
+            "dt": "time step",
+        }
+
+        return description
+
     @staticmethod
     def default_parameters() -> tuple[Experiment, dict[str, pint.Quantity]]:
         """returns a dictionary with required parameters and a set of working values as example"""
@@ -91,10 +112,17 @@ def default_parameters() -> tuple[Experiment, dict[str, pint.Quantity]]:
         experiment = CantileverBeam(CantileverBeam.default_parameters())
 
         model_parameters = {}
+        model_parameters["g"] = 9.81 * ureg("m/s^2")
+        model_parameters["dt"] = 1.0 * ureg("s")
+
         model_parameters["rho"] = 7750 * ureg("kg/m^3")
         model_parameters["E"] = 210e9 * ureg("N/m^2")
         model_parameters["nu"] = 0.28 * ureg("")
 
+        model_parameters["stress_state"] = "plane_strain" * ureg("")
+        model_parameters["degree"] = 2 * ureg("")  # polynomial degree
+        model_parameters["dt"] = 1.0 * ureg("s")
+
         return experiment, model_parameters
 
     # Stress computation for linear elastic problem
diff --git a/tests/experimental_setup/test_experimental_setups.py b/tests/experimental_setup/test_experimental_setups.py
index a491a41..82e5981 100644
--- a/tests/experimental_setup/test_experimental_setups.py
+++ b/tests/experimental_setup/test_experimental_setups.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import copy
 
+import pint
 import pytest
 
 from fenicsxconcrete.experimental_setup.am_multiple_layers import AmMultipleLayers
@@ -12,6 +13,39 @@
 from fenicsxconcrete.finite_element_problem.linear_elasticity import LinearElasticity
 from fenicsxconcrete.util import ureg
 
+# # makes no sense anymore since the default parameter are used in each experiment or material problem
+# # plus was not tested since twice the same names!!
+# @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+#     "setup",
+#     [
+#         CantileverBeam,
+#         TensileBeam,
+#         SimpleBeam,
+#         CompressionCylinder,
+#         AmMultipleLayers,
+#         SimpleCube,
+#     ],
+# )
+# def test_default_parameters(setup: Experiment) -> None:
+#     """This function creates experimental setups with the respective default dictionaries
+#
+#     This makes sure all relevant values are included"""
+#     default_material = LinearElasticity
+#
+#     setup_parameters = setup.default_parameters()
+#
+#     # initialize with default parameters
+#     experiment = setup(setup_parameters)
+#
+#     # test that each parameter is truly required
+#     for key in setup_parameters:
+#         with pytest.raises(KeyError):
+#             less_parameters = copy.deepcopy(setup_parameters)
+#             less_parameters.pop(key)
+#             experiment = setup(less_parameters)
+#             fem_problem = default_material(experiment, default_material.default_parameters()[1])
+#             fem_problem.solve()
+
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "setup",
@@ -25,24 +59,16 @@
     ],
 )
 def test_default_parameters(setup: Experiment) -> None:
-    """This function creates experimental setups with the respective default dictionaries
-
-    This makes sure all relevant values are included"""
-    default_material = LinearElasticity
+    """This function tests if the default_parameters are complete"""
+    # default_material = LinearElasticity
 
     setup_parameters = setup.default_parameters()
 
-    # initialize with default parameters
-    experiment = setup(setup_parameters)
-
-    # test that each parameter is truly required
-    for key in setup_parameters:
-        with pytest.raises(KeyError):
-            less_parameters = copy.deepcopy(setup_parameters)
-            less_parameters.pop(key)
-            experiment = setup(less_parameters)
-            fem_problem = default_material(experiment, default_material.default_parameters()[1])
-            fem_problem.solve()
+    try:
+        experiment = setup(setup_parameters)
+    except KeyError:
+        print("default parameter dictionary is wrong")
+        raise ValueError
 
 
 # to imporve coverage, I want to test the error messages
@@ -63,3 +89,22 @@ def test_default_parameters(setup: Experiment) -> None:
     with pytest.raises(ValueError):
         setup_parameters["dim"] = 4 * ureg("")  # there is no 4D setup
         test_setup = setup(setup_parameters)
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    "setup",
+    [
+        CantileverBeam,
+        TensileBeam,
+        SimpleBeam,
+        CompressionCylinder,
+        AmMultipleLayers,
+        SimpleCube,
+    ],
+)
+def test_dimensionality_check(setup: Experiment) -> None:
+    setup_parameters = setup.default_parameters()
+
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError):
+        setup_parameters["dim"] = 3 * ureg("s")  # dimension should be dimensionless
+        test_setup = setup(setup_parameters)
diff --git a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_am_layers.py b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_am_layers.py
index 477c932..74dddde 100644
--- a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_am_layers.py
+++ b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_am_layers.py
@@ -38,13 +38,8 @@ def set_test_parameters(dim: int, mat_type: str = "thix") -> Parameters:
     if dim == 2:
         setup_parameters["stress_state"] = "plane_stress" * ureg("")
 
-    # default material parameters as start
-    if mat_type == "thix":
-        _, default_params = ConcreteAM.default_parameters(ConcreteThixElasticModel)
-    else:
-        raise ValueError(f"Unknown material type {mat_type}")
+    # default material parameters from material problem
 
-    setup_parameters.update(default_params)
     if dim == 3:
         setup_parameters["q_degree"] = 4 * ureg("")
 
diff --git a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_default_dictionaries.py b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_default_dictionaries.py
index da4d680..0e9bfa8 100644
--- a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_default_dictionaries.py
+++ b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_default_dictionaries.py
@@ -6,26 +6,51 @@
 from fenicsxconcrete.finite_element_problem.concrete_am import ConcreteAM
 from fenicsxconcrete.finite_element_problem.concrete_thermo_mechanical import ConcreteThermoMechanical
 from fenicsxconcrete.finite_element_problem.linear_elasticity import LinearElasticity
+from fenicsxconcrete.util import ureg
+
+
+# @pytest.mark.parametrize("material_model", [LinearElasticity, ConcreteAM, ConcreteThermoMechanical])
+# def test_default_dictionaries(material_model: MaterialProblem) -> None:
+#     """This function creates experimental setups with the respective default dictionaries
+#
+#     This makes sure all relevant values are included"""
+#
+#     default_setup, default_parameters = material_model.default_parameters()
+#
+#     fem_problem = material_model(default_setup, default_parameters)
+#     fem_problem.solve()
+#
+#     # test that each parameter is truly required
+#     # a loop over all default parameters removes each on in turn and expects a key error from the initialized problem
+#     for key in default_parameters:
+#         with pytest.raises(KeyError) as ex:
+#             less_parameters = copy.deepcopy(default_parameters)
+#             less_parameters.pop(key)
+#             fem_problem = material_model(default_setup, less_parameters)
+#             fem_problem.solve()
+#             print(key, "seems to be an unneccessary key in the default dictionary")
+#         print(ex)
+# since the default parameter are used in each experiment or material problem this test makes no sence anymore
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("material_model", [LinearElasticity, ConcreteAM, ConcreteThermoMechanical])
+def test_dimensionality_check(material_model: MaterialProblem) -> None:
 
+    default_setup, default_parameters = material_model.default_parameters()
 
-@pytest.mark.parametrize("material_model", [LinearElasticity, ConcreteAM, ConcreteThermoMechanical])
-def test_default_dictionaries(material_model: MaterialProblem) -> None:
-    """This function creates experimental setups with the respective default dictionaries
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError):
+        default_parameters["g"] = 3 * ureg("m")  # gravity should be m/s²
+        fem_problem = material_model(default_setup, default_parameters)
 
-    This makes sure all relevant values are included"""
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("material_model", [LinearElasticity, ConcreteAM, ConcreteThermoMechanical])
+def test_default_parameters(material_model: MaterialProblem) -> None:
+    """This function tests if the default_parameters are complete"""
+    # default_material = LinearElasticity
 
     default_setup, default_parameters = material_model.default_parameters()
 
-    fem_problem = material_model(default_setup, default_parameters)
-    fem_problem.solve()
-
-    # test that each parameter is truly required
-    # a loop over all default parameters removes each on in turn and expects a key error from the initialized problem
-    for key in default_parameters:
-        with pytest.raises(KeyError) as ex:
-            less_parameters = copy.deepcopy(default_parameters)
-            less_parameters.pop(key)
-            fem_problem = material_model(default_setup, less_parameters)
-            fem_problem.solve()
-            print(key, "seems to be an unneccessary key in the default dictionary")
-        print(ex)
+    try:
+        fem_problem = material_model(default_setup, default_parameters)
+        fem_problem.solve()
+    except KeyError:
+        print("default parameter dictionary is wrong")
+        raise ValueError
diff --git a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_cylinder.py b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_cylinder.py
index 441b060..4835015 100644
--- a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_cylinder.py
+++ b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_cylinder.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ def simple_setup(
     parameters["height"] = 0.012 * ureg("m")
     parameters["dim"] = 3 * ureg("")
     parameters["bc_setting"] = bc_setting * ureg("")
+    parameters["element_order"] = 2 * ureg("")
     parameters["degree"] = 2 * ureg("")
 
     parameters.update(p)
diff --git a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_simple_cube.py b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_simple_cube.py
index 3b621f3..5a8ea2a 100644
--- a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_simple_cube.py
+++ b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_linear_simple_cube.py
@@ -105,7 +105,8 @@ def test_disp(dim: int) -> None:
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("dim", [2, 3])
 def test_strain_state_error(dim: int) -> None:
-    setup_parameters = SimpleCube.default_parameters()
+    # setup_parameters = SimpleCube.default_parameters()
+    setup_parameters = {}  # use default parameters
     setup_parameters["dim"] = dim * ureg("")
     setup_parameters["strain_state"] = "wrong" * ureg("")
     setup = SimpleCube(setup_parameters)
@@ -117,7 +118,8 @@ def test_strain_state_error(dim: int) -> None:
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("dim", [2, 3])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("degree", [1, 2])
 def test_multiaxial_strain(dim: int, degree: int) -> None:
-    setup_parameters = SimpleCube.default_parameters()
+    # setup_parameters = SimpleCube.default_parameters()
+    setup_parameters = {}  # use default parameters
     setup_parameters["dim"] = dim * ureg("")
     setup_parameters["degree"] = degree * ureg("")
     setup_parameters["strain_state"] = "multiaxial" * ureg("")
diff --git a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thermo_mechanical_cube.py b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thermo_mechanical_cube.py
index 56e8da2..cb1cefa 100644
--- a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thermo_mechanical_cube.py
+++ b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thermo_mechanical_cube.py
@@ -158,9 +158,7 @@ def test_hydration_with_body_forces(dim: int):
     parameters["rho"] = 2350 * ureg("kg/m^3")  # in kg/m^3 density of concrete
 
     parameters["density_binder"] = 1440 * ureg("kg/m^3")  # in kg/m^3 density of the binder
-    parameters["thermal_cond"] = 2.0 * ureg(
-        "W/(m^3*K)"
-    )  # effective thermal conductivity, approx in Wm^-3K^-1, concrete!
+    parameters["thermal_cond"] = 2.0 * ureg("W/(m*K)")  # effective thermal conductivity, approx in W(mK)^-1, concrete!
     # self.specific_heat_capacity = 9000  # effective specific heat capacity in J kg⁻1 K⁻1
     parameters["vol_heat_cap"] = 2.4e6 * ureg("J/(m^3 * K)")  # volumetric heat cap J/(m3 K)
     # parameters["b_ratio"] = 0.2  # volume percentage of binder
diff --git a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thixotropy_uniaxial.py b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thixotropy_uniaxial.py
index 72fd0d6..532c60e 100644
--- a/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thixotropy_uniaxial.py
+++ b/tests/finite_element_problem/test_thixotropy_uniaxial.py
@@ -64,12 +64,11 @@ def test_disp(dim: int, degree: int):
     # setting up the problem
     experiment = SimpleCube(parameters)
 
-    # get default parameters and change accordingly to cases
+    # get description of parameters
     des = ConcreteAM.parameter_description()
     print(des)
 
-    _, default_params = ConcreteAM.default_parameters(ConcreteThixElasticModel)
-    parameters.update(default_params)
+    # use default parameters (default) and change accordingly to cases
     parameters["degree"] = degree * ureg("")
     if dim == 3:
         parameters["q_degree"] = 4 * ureg("")
@@ -139,6 +138,7 @@ def check_disp_case(problem: ConcreteAM, dt: pint.Quantity, E_o_time: list[float
 
     if problem.p["dim"] == 2:
         # standard uniaxial checks for last time step
+        print("analytic_eps", analytic_eps, problem.p["nu"] * analytic_eps)
         # strain in yy direction
         assert problem.sensors["StrainSensor"].data[-1][-1] == pytest.approx(analytic_eps)
         # strain in xx direction
@@ -198,5 +198,5 @@ def check_disp_case(problem: ConcreteAM, dt: pint.Quantity, E_o_time: list[float
 # if __name__ == "__main__":
 #
 #     test_disp(2, 2)
-#
-#     # test_disp(3, 2)
+
+# test_disp(3, 1)