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...