# Design of Magnetic Concrete for Inductive Power Transfer System in Rail Applications
## 1 Introduction  
The development of inductive power transfer (IPT) systems has been suggested as a significant milestone in the evolution of electric railway infrastructure aligning with global efforts to adopt sustainable and efficient methods of electrifying transportation [1, 2, 3]. Transportation electrification is an important part of decarbonization for a more sustainable environment. IPT systems operate by utilizing electromagnetic fields to enable the wireless transmission of energy, providing an alternative to conventional power supply methods that may include overhead powerline or third rail technologies [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]. The removal ofoverhead powerlines or third rails has been identified as a major benefit of IPT systems, particularly for electric locomotives equipped with lithium-ion battery technology. These locomotives have been shown to reduce the dependency on complex infrastructure while enhancing safety through the elimination of manual cable connections, which are prone to operational risks [23; 24]. The introduction of IPT systems in railway environments has been observed to involve technical challenges that must be addressed to ensure safe implementation. Railways operate under conditions characterized by continuous vibration, mechanical stress, and variable environmental factors [25]. These conditions impose substantial demands on the materials and technologies employed in IPT systems. Ferrite cores, which are widely used in IPT applications due to their magnetic properties, have demonstrated limitations in harsh environments due to their susceptibility to mechanical degradation [26]. This degradation has been found to affect their long-term reliability, necessitating frequent maintenance or replacement [27]. Thermal loads have been observed to compromise the performance of IPT systems, leading to efficiency losses and potential component failures. Without effective thermal management solutions, the increased heat dissipation becomes a critical constraint [28; 29]. Another issue associated with IPT technology is electromagnetic interference (EMI), particularly in railway environments where sensitive electronic systems and operational safety protocols must be upheld. Inadequate shielding has been noted to result in electromagnetic leakage, affecting system performance and posing risks to surrounding infrastructure and personnel [30; 31]. The deployment of IPT systems for rail applications has necessitated the development of robust ancillary infrastructure. Magnetic concrete has emerged as a viable solution to address several of the above-mentioned issues. This composite material combines the structural properties of traditional concrete with the magnetic characteristics of ferrite particles. By incorporating magnetic functionality into the concrete matrix, this material offers a potential means of improving the durability and operational performance of IPT systems by addressing challenges related to material degradation, thermal management, and electromagnetic shielding while maintaining structural integrity [32]. Ferrite cores form the support system for wireless transfer coils but have been observed to lack the robustness required for prolonged use in railway applications [22]. Heat generation is an inherent problem for IPT, posing risks to material stability, system efficiency, and overall reliability [33; 34; 35]. Finally, EMI has been identified as a critical obstacle, necessitating the implementation of effective shielding solutions [36]. However, limited attention has been given to understanding the interaction between magnetic concrete and the IPT system, particularly with respect to thermal behavior and electromagnetic shielding in real-world scenarios. Existing studies have largely examined its theoretical properties, including magnetic permeability and compressive strength, within controlled laboratory settings [37; 38; 39; 40].