Preface -- Contents -- Summary -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Current U.S. Leadership Position in Mechanical Engineering Basic Research -- 3 Key Factors Influencing U.S. Leadership in Mechanical Engineering Basic Research -- 4 The Likely Future Position of U.S. Mechanical Engineering Basic Research -- Appendix A: Statement of Task -- Appendix B: Panel Biographical Information -- Appendix C: Journal Analysis -- Appendix D: Virtual World Congress.