Abstract: In this paper, a new approach, using the ABAQUS user element function¹, is developed to study generalized conforming element⁵ for the first time. The Updated Lagrangian formulae of the generalized conforming flat shell element GST18² are presented and incorporated into the ABAQUS by its user element function. The elastic wrinkling of thin plate is analyzed. Numerical results show that, compared with the thin shell element STRI3 of ABAQUS, GST18 can exhibit better performance in elastic wrinkling analysis of thin plates, and it is suitable for applications in practical engineering.