An investigation of fused UO/sub 2/ powder (Spencer swageable ously was continued. Fabrication of core-length rods is reported. In the best specimen obtained UO/sub 2/ density reached 89.6 plus or minus 1% of theoretical. An investigation of gamma-absorption density determination of rods is being carried out according to schedule. Preliminary measurements of the thermal conductivity of swaged UO/sub 2/ showed values much lower than those attributed to pellets of corresponding density. (auth)