The nonlinear acoustic problem of a finite amplitude plane wave propagating along the axial direction in a traveling wave tube is studied. Based on the one-dimensional Westervelt equation, a one-dimensional nonlinear wave equation is derived in which the cross section of the traveling wave tube is considered. The two-order finite difference scheme is used to solve the nonlinear wave equation. The nonlinear propagation characteristics of a finite amplitude wave in the traveling wave tube is analyzed. In the expanding transition section, the acoustic pressure amplitude of the acoustic wave decreases with the increase of the cross-sectional area of the pipeline. The nonlinear characteristics of the acoustic wave show waveform distortion and harmonic growth. The waveform distortion becomes more serious in the rear of traveling wave tube than in the front of the tube. Considering the acoustic reflection condition at the mouth, the influence of differently shaped diffusion sections on the acoustic pressure distribution in the test section is investigated. The larger the change rate of the diffusion section in an area, the less amplitude of the sound pressure, and the nonlinear effect of the sound wave propagation is weakened. These nonlinear wave propagation characteristics in a travelling wave tube provide important guidance for both designing a uniform sound pressure distribution in the test section and determining the optimal measuring points for different sizes of structures in spacecraft.
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