Geometric non-linearlity depends on the first derivative of the displacement field, so that it is very advantageous to use the lower displacement field with respect to cost and computing time.
In this paper, a new discrete plate bending element with the first order shape function is proposed, and their higher order derivatives are approximated by the finite difference expression which results in substantial simplification of energy integrals.
Furthermore, in this element a number of displacement parameter of one node is 1/3 of a well-known plate bending element and therefore considereable reduction of computing time can be expected.
From the results of numerical analysis it can be concluded that this model might be very powerful in non-linear in-plane as well as bending analysis of plates.