We want to understand whether and to what extent the maximal (Carnot) efficiency for heat engines can be reached at a finite power. To this end we generalize the Carnot cycle so that it is not restricted to slow processes. We show that for realistic (i.e., not purposefully designed) engine-bath interactions, the work-optimal engine performing the generalized cycle close to the maximal efficienc...

The wave equation, ∂ttu = ∆u, in R, considered with initial data u(x, 0) = f ∈ H(R) and u′(x, 0) = 0, has a solution which we denote by 1 2 (e √ −∆f + e−it √ −∆f). We give almost sharp conditions under which sup0<t<1 |e ±it √ −∆f | and supt∈R |e ±it √ −∆f | are bounded from H(R) to L(R).

This study consists of two training experiments using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. First, the effect of 6 wk of moderate-intensity endurance training (intensity: 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), 60 min.d-1, 5 d.wk-1) on the anaerobic capacity (the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) and VO2max was evaluated. After the training, the anaerobic capacity did not increase significant...

A simple model that describes traffic flow in two dimensions is studied. A sharp jamming transition is found that separates between the low density dynamical phase in which all cars move at maximal speed and the high density jammed phase in which they are all stuck. Self organization effects in both phases are studied and discussed.