During the process of earthquake and rock fracturing

the fracture mechanisms

source parameters and rupture energy can be obtained by moment tensor inversion. In this paper

the moment tensor theory and its inversion method are introduced in detail; and then a comparison of merits and demerits about three major inversion methods

namely the absolute moment tensor

the relative moment tensor and the hybrid moment tensor is conducted. On the basis of detailed classification and summary of the domestic and foreign references

the application status of moment tensor is reviewed in the fields of hydraulic fracturing

mining and deep tunnel

etc.

and combining with its application example in analysis of the focal mechanisms of Hamm Heringen region microseismic events. The results show that the focal mechanisms solution and seismic parameters can be achieved by moment tensor inversion

which played a vital role in the fields of disaster warning and prevention of rock engineering

monitoring and control of hydraulic fracturing

etc. Finally

the factors which influence the accuracy of moment tensor inversion and the insufficient factors including the low precision of microseismic events location and difficult of waveform identification and processing when it is applied to rock engineering fields are analyzed. Meanwhile

the application prospect in the rock engineering field about mining

petroleum engineering

etc.

the improvement

as well as the problems need further study are discussed

so as to provide an important reference for applications of moment tensor inversion method.