| abstract |
The invention provides a panel assembly comprising: n- an inner panel 20 and an outer panel 10, wherein at least the outer panel is a metal panel, the panel assembly is formed by bending a flange portion 12 of the outer panel over a flange portion 22 of the inner panel (hem structure), and n- a structural adhesive 30, which is between the flange portions of the inner and the outer panel and adheres the inner and the outer panel together, n- wherein the geometry of the hem structure is adjusted to ensure that during further processing of the panel assembly through typical automotive production processes no liquid enters between facing surfaces of the panels and the adhesive. |