A three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear theory of travelling wave tubes (TWTs) is developed, which includes a fundamental radio frequency (RF) and harmonics. When the instantaneous bandwidth exceeds an octave, the harmonic is generated and the mutual coupling between the harmonic and the fundamental RF can be observed in TWTs due to nonlinear interaction between the electron beam and the RF. At low frequencies the harmonic has an obvious effect.Based upon Tien’s disc model, a plastic 3D super-particle model is proposed to improve the nonlinear analysis of TWTs.Numerical results employing a periodic magnetic focusing field are presented.