# Problem - thin plate analysis **URL:** \ **Category:** Project Support\ **Created:** [July 27, 2016, 7:34am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894 "2016-07-27T07:34:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gkondracki](https://www.simscale.com/forum/letter_avatar/gkondracki/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@gkondracki](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/gkondracki)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 7:34am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/1 "2016-07-27T07:34:15Z")
Hello, I am new to Simscale. I pooglądałem all the materials and I thought that I already know how to use the program. I have worked with many programs and more I understand the method. I did a simple example - loaded pressure plate on the surface. I did a lot of tests and different settings but still gets some strange results. I suspect that the more I was wrong 🙂 - please help. The results should be smoother and should not have any peaks - this is my opinion. [SimScale](https://www.simscale.com/projects/gkondracki/plate_2/) - Here it looks better [SimScale](https://www.simscale.com/projects/gkondracki/plate_1/) - It looks very strange. ---
**Author:** ![rszoeke](https://www.simscale.com/forum/user_avatar/www.simscale.com/rszoeke/32/14_2.png) [@rszoeke](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/rszoeke)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 8:17am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/2 "2016-07-27T08:17:19Z")
Hello @gkondracki, the results that you are getting are a result of the coarse mesh (on element through thickness) in combination with the first order elements (constant stress per element) that you are using. A second order mesh should result in a better stress distribution. To get accurate results you would however need at least two second order elements through the thickness of your plate. Best, Richard ---
**Author:** ![ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/user_avatar/www.simscale.com/ahmedhussain18/32/140_2.png) [@ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/ahmedhussain18)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 9:16am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/3 "2016-07-27T09:16:07Z")
Adding to what @rszoeke said, use the **Tetrahedral parametric** with _Minimal mesh edge length [m]_ and _Maximum mesh edge length [m]_ of 0.003 since thickness of your plate is 0.006. This will make at least two elements over the thickness. Please note that this will create a bigger mesh in case of second order. Therefore you may need probably 8 cores for mesh and simulation. I hope this helps. If you have any question/s, feel free to ask. Best, Ahmed. ---
**Author:** ![ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/user_avatar/www.simscale.com/ahmedhussain18/32/140_2.png) [@ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/ahmedhussain18)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 9:22am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/4 "2016-07-27T09:22:35Z")
For me it makes the mesh of _309075_ nodes using minimal and maximum mesh edge length of 0.003, second order with moderate refinement. This will be doable using 8 cores for simulation. You can try and let us know if you are now getting the desired results 😉 Best, Ahmed ---
**Author:** ![gkondracki](https://www.simscale.com/forum/letter_avatar/gkondracki/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@gkondracki](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/gkondracki)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 6:04pm UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/5 "2016-07-27T18:04:41Z")
Thank you very much for help. I did as suggested and actually results look very good. I’m from the old school - once a lot of elements that was a big problem 🙂 Now it went quickly and smoothly. Thanks again for your help. Best Greg (Grzegorz) ---
**Author:** ![ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/user_avatar/www.simscale.com/ahmedhussain18/32/140_2.png) [@ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/ahmedhussain18)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2016, 8:34am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/6 "2016-07-28T08:34:48Z")
Hey Greg! Glad that now results look good! 🙂 If you want to know why second order mesh is better in most of the cases, please have a look at this forum post: [When should I use a second order mesh?](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/when-should-i-use-a-second-order-mesh/25899) Best, Ahmed ---
**Author:** ![gkondracki](https://www.simscale.com/forum/letter_avatar/gkondracki/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@gkondracki](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/gkondracki)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2016, 11:45am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/7 "2016-08-01T11:45:13Z")
Hi Ahmed! I thank you very much for your help and explain the types of elements. I’d rather be using a second order - I used to be problems with the first - big mistakes and client denied the results. ---
**Author:** ![ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/user_avatar/www.simscale.com/ahmedhussain18/32/140_2.png) [@ahmedhussain18](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/ahmedhussain18)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2016, 8:01am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/problem-thin-plate-analysis/34894/8 "2016-08-02T08:01:56Z")
Hey Greg! Glad to help you! 🙂 I hope that your client will be satisfied now with second order mesh results 😉 Best, Ahmed