Linear and geometrically nonlinear analysis with 4-node plane quasi-conforming element with internal parameters

A linear 4-node quadrilateral quasi-conforming plane element with internal parameters is proposed. The element preserves advantages of the quasi-conforming technique, including an explicit stiffness matrix, which can be applied to nonlinear problems. The weak patch test guarantees the convergence of the element. Then the linear element is extended to the geometrically nonlinear analysis in the framework of Total Lagrangian (TL) formulation. The numerical tests indicate that the present element is accurate and insensitive to mesh distortion.