Several analog accounting circuits were designed to determine their applicability to pulse counting in connection with metering of flows in waste calcination processes. Results indicate that a one amplifier design based on transfer function simulation is to be recommended. By use of this circuit design, frequencies of 200 to 50,000 cps can be counted. (J.R.D.)

A sponge fuel capsule irradiation started early in the current contract period had to be terminated prematurely because of unpredicted behavior. This capsule was then examined along with one from the previous contract period which had also failed prematurely. Examination showed that the cause of failure had been correctiy interpreted from thermocouple data in both cases, but revealed some additional faults which needed to be corrected. Inpile sintering of sponge fuel appeared slight in 30 days at 1400 nif- F, and moderate at 1600 nif- F. Areas of dense U were formed in a second specimen by mechanisms which are not yet understood. Design work on two high-burnup capsules for use in further research on the sponge fuel concept is reported. (J.R.D.)

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