Nonconservative evolution of cataclysmic binaries

We present a mechanism to take into account angular-momentum loss in binary systems with nonconservative mass transfer. In a number of cases, mass los s in the system can increase the orbital angular momentum of the stars. Inc luding this mechanism in evolutionary models substantially expands the doma in of stable mass transfer in binary systems. All observed cataclysmic bina ries with known component masses fall within the calculated area for stable mass transfer. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".