Abstract: The theory of mixed lubrication has come a long way after its birth. Nowadays, specification and diversification has become the focus of mixed lubrication research. Based on the development path review of mixed lubrication theoretical analysis with the engineering background, the theoretical model features of mixed lubrication and the research focus are pointed out. A new idea for choosing the proper mixed lubrication theoretical model to solve various engineering problems is induced. Several typical engineering examples using this method are presented.