A study on the dissonant standing-wave tube with variable section and its extremely nonlinear standing-wave field

► With transfer matrix, the dissonant property of the standing-wave tube with tapered section (STTS) is studied. ► The 181 dB extremely nonlinear pure standing wave is obtained in the STTS excited at its first resonance frequency. ► A comparative experimental study on the saturation properties of the extremely nonlinear standing waves in the STTS is carried out. ► It is found that the STTS can suppress the harmonics and reduce energy loss of the standing wave more effectively. ► Moreover, it is found the order of distortion of the standing waves do not coincide with the high-order resonance frequencies.