Abstract In support of the product development process the data flow between CAD and calculation systems should be enabled in both directions． The common term for this topic is ‘bi-directional data flow ’．But even in professional circles the usage of this term is equivocal．A unidirectional data flow can be specified ‘bi-directional’if it's done sequentially and counterdirectionallv．In this case it is notional equal to a real bi-directional data flow that is done continuously．Both approaches mentioned are fundamentally different． The article distinguishes the term ‘bi-directional’and points out the differences．
Michael Amft, Andreas Dyla, Bernd-Robert Hohn, Udo Lindemann. Bi-directional integration of design and calculation. Chinese Journal of Engineering Design, 2003, 10(2): 57-61.
