CHARPY V NOTCH IMPACT TEST Object : To determine the amount of energy absorbed in fracturing a standardized test piece at a specified temperature. Method : A machined, notched specimen is broken by one blow from a pendulum. Because scatter occurs in the results, at least three specimens are used to assess the joint represented. Testing is carried out at a temperature specified in the appropriate application standard. Reporting Results: Location and orientation of the notch. Testing temperature. Energy absorbed in joules. Description of fracture appearance. Location of any defects. The Charpy impact test, measured in joules, is an assessment of TOUGHNESS. Transition temperature (curve) in steel.